After an off day Wednesday, the Bears return to the practice field Thursday to resume preparing for Monday night's home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The contest will mark the first NFL start for rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, the second overall pick in the draft. The North Carolina product steadily improved throughout offseason practices and training camp. He then exceeded expectations in the preseason, completing 36 of 53 passes for 364 yards with three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 106.2 passer rating.
Trubisky, who served as the No. 2 quarterback the first four weeks of the regular season, replaces veteran Mike Glennon, who committed eight turnovers in the last three games.
Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
The Bears (1-3) will look to win their second straight home game two weeks after defeating the Steelers 23-17 in overtime at Soldier Field. They're also seeking their second consecutive home victory over the Vikings following a 20-10 win last Halloween night.
Minnesota will enter Monday night's contest at 2-2 after beating the Saints 29-19, losing to the Steelers 26-9, defeating the Buccaneers 34-17 and falling to the Lions 14-7.
The Vikings have been hurt by injuries early in the season. Quarterback Sam Bradford has missed the last three games with a knee injury and promising rookie running back Dalvin Cook suffered a season-ending knee injury last Sunday against Detroit.
It's unclear whether Bradford will return Monday night against the Bears. His replacement, Case Keenum, has completed 61 of 100 passes for 755 yards with three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 94.4 passer rating in the last three games.
The Bears trail the all-time series 58-52-2 and have lost four of the last five matchups. The Bears lost the last meeting 38-10 on Jan. 1, 2017 at US Bank Stadium. The Bears committed five turnovers that the Vikings turned into 24 points. Minnesota scored on its first three possessions to take a 17-0 lead. Bradford passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Howard rushed for 135 yards, setting the Bears' single-season rookie rushing record.
Entering Week 5, the Bears rank 23rd in offense (12th in rushing and 27th passing) and 8th in defense (6th against the run and 15th versus the pass). The Vikings rank 6th in offense (17th in rushing and 8th passing) and 12th in defense (3rd against the run and 24th versus the pass).
ChicagoBears.com will provide all the latest news throughout the week from Halas Hall. Coach John Fox will address the media Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will be available Thursday, while defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and special-teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers will speak Friday.
