It's all but official: the Bears will start backup quarterback Chase Daniel against the Raiders this weekend.
Head coach Matt Nagy confirmed that the team was going with Daniel during his daily press conference from Halas Hall:
"So, with [Trubisky], he's gonna end up most likely missing this game," Nagy said. "But he'll be on a day-to-day basis for us. We have the bye coming up here, so we'll be able to see really how this goes for him – and then where we stand."
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Trubisky suffered an injury to his left shoulder six plays into the Bears' 16-6 win over Minnesota, when Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter tripped up Trubisky on a scramble, causing the QB to land awkwardly. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Trubisky suffered a dislocated left shoulder with a slight labrum tear. The Bears haven't given an official diagnosis, but it doesn't sound like he'll need surgery, which corroborates with Schefter's reporting.
Trubisky's traveling with the team to London, and is still an active participant in weekly meetings and gameplaning.
"It’s the same as it is with Mitch," Daniel said. "We feel really comfortable with each other just based on time spent with each other, so we’re excited about the week. Mitch is in there game-planning with us just as well. He’s drawing up plays left and right. He’s fully into it."
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It'll be the 5th start in Daniel's decade-long career, and his first since he played against the Giants in Week 13 of last season. He's comfortable in the Bears' system, and coaches rave about some of the intangibles he brings to the game. On Wednesday, Nagy was asked what exactly makes him such a dependable QB.
"The leadership and his anticipation," he replied. "Leadership within the huddle before the play happens; directing people, telling them where to go, how to get there. And then the anticipatory throws of knowing, ‘OK, this guy is going to be open because of this defense,’ and being able to throw the ball on time."