With quarterback Justin Fields listed as questionable with a left shoulder injury for Sunday's road game against the Jets, backup quarterback Trevor Siemian is prepared to make his first start for the Bears if needed.
While Fields has been limited in three straight practices, Siemian's routine this week hasn't been altered much. As a backup, Siemian said his job is to always be ready and that's "something I take pride in."
"Every week you're ready to go," Siemian said Friday at Halas Hall. "You anticipate to play every week, truly. That's how you have to prepare to stay in it. It could happen the first snap. It could happen on play 62. You just gotta be ready to roll whenever your number's called. No different than any other week."
Siemian is in his first season with the Bears after signing with the organization in March. He spent his first three years in the league with the Broncos (2015-17), then had stints with the Jets (2019) and Saints (2021), appearing in 34 games with 29 starts over the course of his career. Through six seasons, Siemian has passed for 6,848 yards with 41 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.
Playing only three snaps this season, all during the Cowboys game when he completed his only pass attempt for five yards, Siemian hasn't had much opportunity to connect with the receiving corps as he typically only takes spot reps with the first team in practice.
"That's how it is for a backup quarterback and that's kind of the understanding when you come in," Siemian said. "You're the two, you got to be ready to play whether you get all the reps or none. The expectation is to play and play well."
However, through meetings, practices. and watching from the sidelines on gameday, he's been able to pick up players' individual tendencies and wouldn't anticipate chemistry being an issue.
"It's as good as it can be for being a two," Siemian said. "That's part of my job too, is staying back and watching guys run routes, reading their body languages, looking at coverages, staying engaged in the meetings. I feel good where that's at."
Coach Matt Eberflus told reporters Friday Fields will likely be a game-time decision against the Jets. While Siemian may be tasked with getting into a game rhythm on short notice, he doesn't see that hindering his ability to perform.
"Yeah, I think you kind of embrace it," Siemian said. "I look forward to it. There's no excuse. There's no asterisk on the win-loss total or stat sheet. It's something I look forward to, it's challenge I accept. Like I said, if I got to play, I'll be ready to go. That's part of the deal being a backup."
