Bears get their chance at payback against Packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has dominated the Chicago Bears during his Hall of Fame-caliber career and isn’t shy about pointing that out.

After running for a fourth-quarter touchdown in a 24-14 victory at Chicago on Oct. 14, Rodgers shouted “I
still own you!” to the Soldier Field crowd.

The Bears (4-8) get their shot at payback Sunday when they visit the NFC North-leading Packers (9-3) at Lambeau Field.

Rodgers noted this week that his comment wasn’t directed at the Bears, but rather at fans who were making obscene gestures to him. But he also pointed out that “I don’t know

that you can question a whole lot of what I said.” The Packers are 22-5

against the Bears in games Rodgers has started.

Chicago safety Tashaun Gipson says the Bears aren’t necessarily using Rodgers’ remark as bulletin-board material.

The Bears already have enough incentive as they try to build some late-season momentum after losing six of their past seven games.

“We can’t control that’s how he feels,” Gipson said. “All that we can do is just go out there and control what we do Sunday night, and that’s our focus right now. I don’t think it was necessary to harp on what was said, man. Obviously we have other things to worry about, and winning a football game is the main priority right now.”

The Bears hope they get a boost from the return of rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who missed two games with broken ribs. Fields has thrown twice as many interceptions (eight) as touchdown passes (four) this season, but he had perhaps his two best games just before his injury.

“I’m going to have to be smart this upcoming game with not taking as many hits as I usually do, so I’m going to be smart about that and cognizant about that, for sure,” Fields said.

While the Bears look toward their future with Fields, the Packers are driving toward their third straight NFC North title as the only division team with a winning record.

They want to close the regular season strong and enter the playoffs with momentum.

“We’re just trying
to go run the table,” Packers receiver Davante Adams said. “We only have five games left.”

RODGERS’ TOE

Rodgers has been playing through a toe injury that has reduced his practice time, though it hasn’t limited his effectiveness. Rodgers says he fractured his pinky toe last month while working out at home during his quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

He didn’t practice at all before a victory over the Los Angeles Rams and practiced just once before a loss at Minnesota the previous week. Rodgers said his toe benefited from the Packers’ bye week last week.