The Bears listed quarterback Mitch Trubisky as "doubtful" to play in Thursday's game against the Lions at Ford Field because of a right shoulder injury.
That means backup Chase Daniel is in line to make his third career start in 10 seasons in the NFL. The Bears also are expected to promote third-string quarterback Tyler Bray from the practice squad on Wednesday afternoon to back up Daniel.
Trubisky injured his right shoulder late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 25-20 victory over the Vikings on a late hit by safety Harrison Smith.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Tuesday he was "cautiously optimistic" Trubisky would play Thursday, but he also said the Bears would handle the situation as carefully as they did the injuries to outside linebacker Khalil Mack and wide receiver Allen Robinson. Mack and Robinson, who had an ankle and groin injury, respectively, missed two games as they recovered.
"He wants to play," Nagy said. "I know that. But we've got to make sure in these situations that we're doing the right thing."
It would be Daniel's first start since 2014.
Daniel, who has played for the Saints, Eagles, Chiefs and Bears, has completed 51 of 78 passes for 480 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his career. But he knows Nagy's offense well after playing under him with the Chiefs, one of the reasons the Bears signed him in the first place.
"The No. 1 thing that you learn about Chase when you're around him is that _ in a really good way _ he's extremely confident in how he plays because he's so smart," Nagy said. "The game is not fast to him when he plays. The other thing with Chase that I've always appreciated is the fact that he prepares every game like he's the starter. If his time does come, he doesn't blink."
The Bears also announced that outside linebacker Aaron Lynch and tight end Adam Shaheen will not play Thursday. They suffered concussions against the Vikings.
Those are the only three players on their injury report for the week.
