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Days before the Chicago Bears step on the field to battle the Cleveland Browns, head coach Matt Nagy has announced that their will be a slight change at the team's most important position. With starting quarterback Andy Dalton recovering from a knee injury, Nagy has made the decision to start first-round draft pick Justin Fields at quarterback. Right behind Fields, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Nick Foles will serve as his backup.
"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 he goes with this," Nagy said on Wednesday, according to ESPN.
Fields was drafted 11th overall by Chicago in April after playing three seasons in college. Leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a record of 20-2 over two seasons, Fields scored a total of 78 touchdowns while throwing for more than 5,400 yards. During a shortened preseason, the rookie quarterback impressed coaches by putting up 368 total yards and accounting for 3 touchdowns. Having played at the highest levels of college football and settled into the pro ranks, the Georgia native feels he is ready to start on Sunday.
"I've been preparing for this moment for a long time," Fields said, according to ESPN.
"My mindset doesn't change. I'm still going to have to play my football and just prepare the best I can. Like I said before, get a lot of practice reps and study, study, study, and get more comfortable and confident with the plays and stuff like that."
While Fields will start on Sunday, Nagy has reiterated that Dalton will be named the team's top quarterback when he is healthy.
"Andy is still battling through his injury," Nagy explained.
"Like I said to you the other day, we're glad that it's not his ACL. We're not expecting him to practice today or to have him available this week, so he'll be week-to-week."
In the meantime, Fields and company will prepare to play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Cleveland, Ohio.
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