Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields may be getting his chance to take the reigns of the team as he took over for starter Andy Dalton during the Bears’ 20-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Fields took over at quarterback in the third quarter for Dalton, who was forced out of the game after sustaining a knee injury. Dalton would not return to the game, and Bears head coach Matt Nagy said he does not believe Dalton suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson.
Fields completed 6 of 13 passes for 60 yards, but also chipped in 31 yards in 10 rushes.
“I don’t think I’m pleased with how I played at all,” Fields said. “I think there’s a lot more in me that I have to show. That’s going to come with time. I know it’s not going to happen overnight, so I’m just going to keep grinding, and no matter what happens, I know I’m meant for this. I’m meant to be here. My path here has been crazy. When I was younger, I never thought I would be here in this position. I’m here for a reason. And I definitely think I can play better. I just think that this is the beginning. I’m definitely excited for the future and excited to get back to practice on Monday, Tuesday.”
Nagy would not speculate on Dalton’s status moving forward.
“Like I’ve said with Justin, he’s probably further along than we thought at this point right now,” Nagy said. “If that’s the case [and Dalton has to miss time], we feel good about it with Justin. He has worked really, really hard to get to this point.
“We’ll see where everything goes and where it’s at, but Justin has done everything we’ve asked him to do and we feel good with him.”
