Bears QB Justin Fields likely Week 3 starter?

Putting the pieces together, it looks like the rookie will get his first start in his return to the great state of Ohio:

It was an interesting day for the Chicago Bears as they look to turn the page from their Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and on toward another AFC North opponent, the Cleveland Browns, in Week 3. Prior to starting quarterback Andy Dalton getting hurt against the Bengals, Bears head coach Matt Nagy had been putting rookie Justin Fields in to take snaps in both games to start the season.

For most (all?) outside observers, Fields is already a better quarterback than Dalton but Nagy seems committed to the veteran. According to Dalton, the Bears promised him he was their starter before he signed with the team in the offseason. In the ensuing NFL Draft, the team traded up to take Fields.

Nagy was asked about whether Dalton or Fields would be his starter going forward during Monday’s press conference. Nagy retorted that it was a scheme-related question and he wouldn’t answer it. The reporter pressed but Nagy reiterated that it was scheme-related.

Shortly after that interaction, the Bears’ PR department came in to correct Nagy, from Nagy according to the PR person:

 

Is Dalton healthy enough to start against the Browns in Week 3?

 

According to Dr. David J. Chao, who provides a lot of injury-related information, this means it is Fields’ time starting in Week 3 and likely for more than that:

 

Fields has shown flashes throughout the preseason and during the first two weeks but is far from looking capable of leading a successful offense. Cleveland’s defense, however, was picked apart by Tyrod Taylor in the first half of Week 2’s victory. Fields’ mobility and strong arm could cause similar issues for the Browns but, without Taylor’s veteran savvy, also come with more mistakes.

It looks like Fields’ first start will come in Cleveland and the rookies return to the state where he played his last college ball.