The Chicago Bears are likely to be without starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky in Thursday's Thanksgiving road contest against the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Trubisky is dealing with a bruised shoulder, paving the way for veteran backup Chase Daniel to start behind center, per Rapoport. The 7-3 Bears will have it in tough when they visit their long-time divisional foes now.

Daniel signed a two-year deal worth $10 million with the Bears in the offseason, providing ample insurance behind Trubisky. Daniel last started in the 2014 regular season finale for the Chiefs, leading them to an upset win over the San Diego Chargers - thus ending their division rival's playoff hopes.

Before that, Daniel had spent three years as Drew Brees' understudy for the New Orleans Saints. After three years there, he played with the Chiefs from 2013-15 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles for one year. He returned to the Saints for the 2017 season before landing in Chicago.

RELATED: CHICAGO BEARS TAKE CONTROL OF THE NFC NORTH AFTER PRIME-TIME WIN OVER THE VIKINGS

Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

The 24-year-old Trubisky has completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 2,469 yards and 20 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Trubisky has taken his game to another level under new head coach Matt Nagy, who has the Bears on track to reach the postseason for the first time in eight years.

Chicago's offense has averaged 29.4 points per game up to this point, which is good for sixth-most in the NFL right now. With Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen and Trubisky all enjoying productive seasons, the Bears have been one of the bigger surprises in 2018.

What This Means

Obviously, the Bears now have a more difficult task now in escaping Detroit with a win. But even if they lose, Chicago is sitting pretty atop the NFC North (the Minnesota Vikings are second at 5-4-1).

The Bears are playing it safe with Trubisky and giving him the much-needed rest, and he should be back for their Week 13 game against the New York Giants.

NEXT: NFL FANTASY WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS WEEK 11: THE BEST NAMES YOU SHOULD GET