Andy Dalton Will Start at QB (Probably Even if Justin Fields Tests Out of COVID Protocol)

Justin Fields landing on the Reserve/COVID-19 list threw a wrench in the Bears’ plans this week.

Instead of getting what could’ve been a nice send-off against a divisional foe that hasn’t done much in terms of slowing down opposing quarterbacks, we’re receiving a front-row seat to Andy Dalton’s last stand:

Grand opening, grand closing. Just as Dalton began the year as QB1, he ends it in a starting role for the season finale against the Vikings. This puts Nick Foles back into the QB2 role when Chicago treks to Minnesota for Week 18. Time is a flat circle.

Now, Fields could still test out of COVID protocols before Sunday’s game. but Nagy didn’t sound eager to throw Fields into the mix if it happens.

Citing a lack of practice reps leading up to the game, Nagy doesn’t sound eager to put Fields back into the starting lineup. For what it’s worth, Fields hasn’t had a steady amount of reps while spending the last two weeks as practicing with limitations before the Seahawks and Giants games. Throw in a lack of practice snaps while on the COVID reserve list, then perhaps the most sensible option would be to sit Fields. I might not like it, but there is an argument that is what’s best for the franchise moving forward.

But, hey, at least it’ll be fun:

Just one more game. … Just one more game. Just one more…

For more from Nagy in what might be his last Friday presser as head coach, check out his full press conference below:

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

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