Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields will not play in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings after going on the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in the week. Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Friday Andy Dalton will get the start, with Nick Foles in the backup role.

This ends a rather disappointing rookie season for Fields, who will have missed the last three games. The rookie was set to return for Week 18 after missing the previous two games with an ankle injury, but COVID got in the way.

*Watch the NFL LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Fields started the season as the backup to Dalton after the Bears traded up to get the Ohio State product in the 2021 NFL Draft. The rookie took over in Week 2 after Dalton got hurt against the Cincinnati Bengals and then struggled through an up-and-down season. While there were some incredible flash plays that showed his immense potential, Fields also had issues with ball security and holding the ball too long, resulting in a lot of sacks.

While Fields is to blame for some of his struggles, he wasn't helped by a coaching staff that looks to be on its way out, as well as a lack of talent around him. Assuming Chicago does indeed fire Matt Nagy as expected, the No. 1 priority is finding a new coaching staff that can develop Fields' talent. Whether it's general manager Ryan Pace making that decision or a new GM taking over, it will also be important to get Fields more help on the field.

There are still plenty of reasons for Bears fans to be excited about Justin Fields. He looks to be the most physically talented quarterback in team history. While that's a low bar, he was highly touted coming out of college and has the tools to be great. It's just a matter of putting it all together, which has been a problem forever for quarterbacks in Chicago.