Justin Fields takes over as Bears' starting quarterback vs. Browns with Andy Dalton out
The Justin Fields era has begun in Chicago.
Days after Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy was adamant that Andy Dalton would remain the starter, he announced Wednesday that the rookie Fields will start at quarterback Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
“He was pretty stoic,” Nagy said of Fields’ reaction upon receiving the news. “He’s a guy that has a lot of confidence in himself and I think it rubs off on his teammates.”
Fields relieved Dalton in the second half during a Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals after Dalton exited with a knee injury that will keep him “week to week,” Nagy said. Nagy also couched the Fields announcement by saying he plans for Dalton to resume his starter role once healthy.
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Former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, who had been inactive for the first two weeks of the season, will be the backup.
The Bears traded up to No. 11 in this year’s draft to select Fields after his standout career at Ohio State. He went 6-for-13 for 60 yards and one interception against the Bengals in the 20-17 win.
"We’ll see how ready how he is and I think that’s part of the evaluation process … he’s gone above and beyond to show us what he’s about," Nagy said.
“He’s past where I thought he was going to be,” the coach added.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Justin Fields: Chicago Bears hand starting QB reins to rookie
