LAKE FOREST (Ill.) -- Matt Nagy, the Chicago Bears' head coach, repeatedly declined to clarify whether Andy Dalton, the team's veteran quarterback, would continue as the starting quarterback, if he is healthy.
Five minutes after Nagy's Monday morning news conference ended, and where Nagy mentioned "scheme" as the reason why he couldn't divulge whether Dalton would continue to be the starting quarterback over rookie Justin Fields on Monday morning, the Bears brought a team official into media room to confirm that Dalton is still the Bears' starting QB, health permitting.
Officials from the team stated that Nagy misunderstood what was being asked.
"If Andy is healthy, can he be your starter?" Nagy was questioned about the topic during the news conference.
Nagy said: "That's something I'm not going into with the scheme."
After Dalton left Sunday's game in the second quarter, his health is now in serious doubt.
Dalton sustained the injury during a 14-yard scramble. He landed awkwardly on the Bears sideline, and his left knee seemed to buckle. Dalton pointed immediately to Fields and entered the game. He was then taken to the blue tent for medical attention. Dalton initially looked fine and returned to the game to complete a series. He then went back to the locker room to wait for halftime. Dalton was still dressed in his uniform at halftime, but he didn't have his helmet while seated on the Bears bench.
Fields was 6-of-13 for 60 yards with an interception, and he also ran 10 times for 31 yard.
Nagy stated that the team was still assessing the extent of Dalton’s injury but has confirmed that Dalton did not sustain a torn ACL. All signs point to Fields starting Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Nagy was asked if it would be possible to return to Dalton if Fields is given the nod.
Nagy stated, "That's all we've discussed." "We have discussed the how things might go and the what-if games, so you don't make emotional decisions. You also need to observe how things are progressing. This is the process you discuss with these quarterbacks, players in general, and your offense, defense and special teams.
"Kindly all returning to what we have talked about since day one which is not worry about tomorrow. We try to be present in the moment.
