Bears to start Andy Dalton with Justin Fields 'not there yet'

[December 04, 2021] Justin Fields failed to receive medical clearance to return from his rib injury, meaning Andy Dalton remains the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Dalton is the No. 1 and Nick Foles his backup as the Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals.

"As far as for the game Andy Dalton's going to start on Sunday, Nick Foles will be the backup," Bears coach Matt Nagy said after Friday's practice. "Justin's making good progress, just not there yet medically for the clearance."

Fields, Chicago's first-round pick in 2021, replaced Dalton as the starting quarterback due to a knee injury but hasn't practiced or played since Nov. 21. He was injured in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens and sat out as Dalton returning to the first-team role and helped beat Detroit on Thanksgiving Day.

The Bears are also without defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (groin) this week and wide receiver Allen Robinson (hamstring) is questionable.

--Field Level Media

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