The Bears officially named rookie quarterback Justin Fields the team’s starter heading into Sunday’s game against the Browns, which was expected given Andy Dalton’s knee injury.
Dalton suffered a bone bruise, which currently has him “week-to-week.” Matt Nagy doesn’t think Dalton will land on injured reserve, a good indication he could be out for 1-2 games.
With Fields making his first NFL start on Sunday, he has an opportunity to make a case to be the team’s permanent starter over the course of the next couple of weeks.
As for how Fields reacted to learning the news he’d be starting against the Browns, it was what you’d expect from someone like Fields, who has been on a big stage for most of his football career.
“He was pretty stoic,” Nagy said. “He’s a guy who has a lot of confidence in himself in a good way.”
Matt Nagy on Justin Fields' reaction to be named starter:
"He was pretty stoic. He's a guy who has a lot of confidence in himself in a good way."— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) September 22, 2021
The news didn’t come as too much of a surprise to Fields, given Dalton’s knee injury.
“Pretty much even-keel,” Fields said of his reaction. “I think I had a good idea I might possibly start. Wasn’t surprised by it just trying to get prepared for Sunday.”
Fields’ first NFL start will come in a familiar state, as he makes his return to Ohio following two seasons as Ohio State’s quarterback, which should certainly make for an interesting reception when he takes the field in Cleveland.
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