Trubisky named Bears starter

It’s been a long way back from a difficult place for Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

After being benched in Week 3, Trubisky will start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, Bears coach Matt Nagy said Friday.

Trubisky took all the firstteam snaps at practice this week but Nagy had stopped just short of designating him the starter, just in case Nick Foles was able to return from a hip and glute injury. But Foles was unable to practice again Friday and Nagy turned to Trubisky.

“He’s worked hard this time that he’s been the backup to be prepared for if and when this time comes, whether it’s through performance or whether it’s through availability or injury with Nick,” Nagy said.

The Bears are trying to end a four-game losing streak, and they’re more focused on that than their long-term future at quarterback.

“As far as next week or following weeks, it’s hard for me to predict that right now,” Nagy said.

Foles is doubtful for the game and Nagy said it’s still possible Foles could be the backup. Tyler Bray is the other option.

Trubisky suffered a right shoulder injury Nov. 1 against New Orleans while he ran on a zone-read, his only play since being benched against Atlanta in Week 3. Foles’ injury occurred on a sack in the fourth quarter of a 19-13 loss to Minnesota on Nov. 16.

Nagy turned to Foles seeking a spark for his team’s offence, and Foles rallied Chicago from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to beat Atlanta after Trubisky was benched. But the Bears are 2-5 with Foles as the starter, averaging 16.7 points per game.

Foles has completed 202 of 311 passes for 1,852 yards with 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He has a quarterback rating of 81.0.

Trubisky is 51 of 86 for 560 yards with six touchdowns, three interceptions and a passer rating of 87.4.

In his first media interview since the benching, Trubisky called the situation a total surprise, and said he was humbled by the experience as a backup. He’d been starting since Week 5 of his rookie year in 2017.

“I think more than anything I was caught off guard,” Trubisky said. “I think in the beginning of the season I was just starting to build some momentum and then it kind of felt like a blindside.

“Then I decided to embrace the new role.”