LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Justin Fields is set to make his first start for the Chicago Bears. The team will go with the prized rookie quarterback when the Bears…
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears planned to have Justin Fields adjust to the NFL while watching from the sideline as a backup to veteran Andy Dalton. Well, so much for that. Fields is set to make his first start when the Bears visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday the team will go with the prized rookie quarterback with Dalton sidelined because of a left knee injury. “Justin’s gonna be our starter,” he said. “His prep starts… right now.” Nagy said Dalton remains the team’s No.1 quarterback for now and the plan is for him to be the starter when he is healthy. Nagy said the three-time Pro Bowler is week to week, though the Bears don’t think he will be placed on injured reserve. Super Bowl 52 MVP Nick Foles will be the backup quarterback. Fields got his first extended look last week in a 20-17 win over Cincinnati when he took over on Chicago’s final drive in the first half after getting in a handful of plays earlier in the game. He led the Bears the rest of the way. Fans have been calling for the team to go with the former Ohio State star since trading up nine spots with the New York Giants to draft him with the No.11 overall pick. And now, they’ll get their wish. “I think I’m ready,” Fields said. “I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. My mindset doesn’t change, I’m still going to have to play my football and just prepare the best I can.
