The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bears quarterbac­k Trubisky still doubtful against Lions

Chase Daniel may get most significan­t game time since ’14.

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The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears will meet for the second time in 12 days — yet this matchup already looks a lot different.

Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago’s starting quarterbac­k, is doubtful for today’s rematch with the Lions because of a right shoulder injury.

That means Chase Daniel, who has barely played in the NFL since 2014, may take the field for the NFC North-leading Bears under the Thanksgivi­ng spotlight.

“We’re on a short week. So regardless, there’s not a lot you can do. The nice thing about having a guy like Chase, regardless of which direction you go, is I was Chase’s quarterbac­k coach in Kansas City for three years,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said.

“So, I know Chase inside out and he knows me. And so, that’s why you bring in a guy like Chase, is not only for his expertise in this offense, but in the way he handles his position each and every week.”

Trubisky threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns in Chicago’s 34-22 win over the Lions on Nov. 11. Now the teams face each other again less than two weeks later. The Bears (7-3) have won four straight.

Detroit (4-6) is in the middle of a three-game homestand that began with a vic- tory over Carolina last week- end, but rookie running back Kerryon Johnson left that game with a knee injury. He won’t play today.

McCoy back in Texas for another big game

Colt McCoy silenced his phone knowing he was coming back to his home state for his first NFL start in four years, in the stadium where he helped lead the Texas Longhorns to a shot at a national title as their star quarterbac­k and where he last won a game as a pro.

The longtime Washington backup also knows what’s most important as he takes over following Alex Smith’s season-ending leg injury. The Redskins (6-4) can control the NFC East by beating the rival Dallas Cowboys (5-5) in the most traditiona­l of Thanks- giving games.

“I’m thankful for the opportunit­y, but I think it’s even more than that,” McCoy said. “It’s time to just go play and put everything else aside. We have a huge game this week. It’s a huge game.”

McCoy is 2-0 at AT&T Stadium, beating Nebraska for the 2009 Big 12 champion- ship and a spot in the BCS championsh­ip game, which Texas lost to Alabama when McCoy got hurt early.

The Cowboys have a chance to tie the Redskins for the division lead thanks to their first winning streak of the season, a pair of vic- tories on the road after they were winless in their first four away from home.

“We said this a couple weeks ago, though; we knew that the division was still in front of us,” quarterbac­k Dak Prescott said. “Our backs are still against the wall. We know what this game means. We know how important this game is.”

Elsewhere

■ The Titans are back in wait-and-see mode with Marcus Mariota. The quarterbac­k is trying to recover from a stinger that came from a hit to his head in last week’s 38-10 loss to the Colts and left him with some numb- ness in his throwing arm. But Mariota said the injury is not related to the nerve issue in his elbow that cost him playing time in September.

■ Jets quarterbac­k Sam Darnold suited up for practice for the first time since injuring his right foot, but did not participat­e in team drills as he continues to recover. Coach Todd Bowles says Dar- nold is progressin­g, but is uncertain to play Sunday against New England. Josh McCown would start again if Darnold is unable to play.

 ?? PATRICK MCDERMOTT / GETTY IMAGES ?? Colt McCoy can help the Redskins control the NFC East by beating the rival Cowboys in the most traditiona­l of Thanksgivi­ng games.
PATRICK MCDERMOTT / GETTY IMAGES Colt McCoy can help the Redskins control the NFC East by beating the rival Cowboys in the most traditiona­l of Thanksgivi­ng games.

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