The Chicago Bears were facing questions at quarterback heading into their Week 13 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals as rookie QB Justin Fields has been dealing with a ribs injury. Head Coach Matt Nagy addressed the situation on Friday and announced the Bears plans under center for Sunday's clash.
Per Bears beat writer Jason Lieser, Nagy told reporters that the Bears plan on rolling with Andy Dalton as the starter on Sunday, with veteran Nick Foles serving as the backup.
Matt Nagy says Andy Dalton will start for Bears on Sunday against the Cardinals. Justin Fields is OUT. Nick Foles is the backup QB.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) December 3, 2021
Nagy claimed Fields was doubtful for the game, though it's highly unlikely the 22-year-old ends up being active considering the team named Foles as the backup. Fields sustained his ribs injury in Week 11's loss against the Baltimore Ravens, exiting the game in the third quarter after a run play.
With Fields almost certainly out for this one, Dalton will make his fourth start of the season. Chicago is 2-1 when Dalton has started, and the Red Rifle has thrown four touchdown passes and two interceptions on the year.
The loss of Fields wasn't the only troubling news the injury report brought on Friday. Nagy also informed the press that running back Damien Williams, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin were all out for Sunday's game. Additionally, wide receiver Allen Robinson is doubtful.
#Bears RB Damien Williams, DT Akiem Hicks, WR Marquise Goodwin are all OUT for the #Cardinals game.
WR Allen Robinson and QB Justin Fields are DOUTBFUL
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 3, 2021
Not only will Chicago be without its starting quarterback, but Dalton will be without a trio of the team's key offensive weapons. The loss of Hicks is also a significant blow for Chicago's defensive line.
The swath of injuries that plagued the Bears this week doesn't bode well for a positive result against the surging Cardinals, though Arizona could be without some key pieces in Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, both of whom are considered game-time decisions.
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