The Chicago Bears have an important decision to make, but it should be an easy decision after a comment by New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh this week.

Chicago has to decide whether or not to play quarterback Justin Fields on Sunday against the Jets.

Fields injured his shoulder in the Bears' 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Fields is pushing to play.

The Bears, however, are worried about Fields risking further injury to his shoulder (meaning it's not so much a pain tolerance issue).

Updates on @SportsCenter with @RandyScottESPN

-Bears weigh risk with Justin Fields’ shoulder
-Ja’Marr Chase likely game-time decision
-Deebo Samuel managing hamstring
-Chase Young prepared for contact, likely on hard snap count upon return (this week a toss-up) pic.twitter.com/yMBMBn9C8i

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 26, 2022

If Chicago is worried about Fields making his injury worse, then they probably shouldn't play him after Saleh said this week they're ready to hit Fields or whoever lines up under center for the Bears on Sunday.

Saleh said the Jets are preparing to face Justin Fields: "If he plays, we're going to hit him. If he doesn't, we're going to hit the next guy."

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) November 25, 2022

Every team in the NFL obviously wants to hit the opposing quarterback. But Saleh's comments are a reminder that New York will be coming after Fields. And they know that shoulder is bothering the former Ohio State quarterback.

The Jets are still battling for a playoff spot. They badly need a win against the Bears.

Chicago, on the other hand, isn't battling for a playoff spot and they need to protect their future (Fields).

There's no upside to playing Fields and beating the Jets. It won't change much about the Bears' season.

But if they play Fields and he makes his shoulder injury worse, it could have a massively negative impact on the future of the franchise.

This is an easy decision for Chicago — sit your star player and preserve him for 2023 and beyond. Fields has already taken a beating this season, there's no reason to throw him out there with a bum shoulder and make it worse.

Featured image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports