Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields ready for first start; Andy Dalton shouldn’t play due to knee injury



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Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields will make his first career start on Sunday with Andy Dalton expected to be sidelined with a left knee injury, coach Matt Nagy told reporters on Wednesday.

“It’s a great opportunity for Justin and for all of us as a staff to be able to take this thing and see where it goes with it,” Nagy said of Fields’ first opportunity to leave.

Nick Foles will serve as Fields’ replacement on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Nagy said.

Dalton injured his knee Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals after awkwardly landing on the Chicago sideline following a scrum. Dalton’s left knee appeared to flex, and he immediately signaled Fields to enter the game and walked over to the blue injury tent for examination. Dalton appeared to check OK at first and returned to the game for a streak before returning to the locker room before half-time and later being sent off.

Nagy reiterated on Wednesday that Dalton will be the Bears starter once he is healthy enough to play. The coach has said the three-time Pro Bowler is week to week, although the Bears don’t think Dalton will be placed on the injured list.

“Andy is still dealing with his injury,” Nagy said. “Like I told you the other day, we’re glad it’s not his ACL. We don’t expect him to train today or be available this week, so it will be week by week. “

Fields went 6-for-13 for 60 yards with an interception and rushed 10 times for 31 yards against the Bengals. He threw two assists, both completed, in a Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Information from Jeff Dickerson of ESPN and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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