Rob Ninkovich reads a note from Bears superfans. It makes the Get Up cast laugh. (1:54).
LAKE FOREST (Ill.) -- Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy stated that it will be a game time decision on whether Andy Dalton or Justin Fields will start at quarterback Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
Nagy says veteran Nick Foles will not be considered for a start.
Nagy stated that "we know what we're doing" and added, "That's what our beliefs and actions are going to be," after Friday's practice.
Nagy repeatedly maintained that Dalton is Chicago’s starter when he is healthy. However, the 33-year-old quarterback sustained a bone bruise to his left knee in Week 2, and was unable to play in Sunday's 26-6 loss against the Cleveland Browns.
Dalton was not able to participate in practice this week, and is now listed as doubtful to face the Lions.
Dalton stated that he feels good on Friday. "When you have an injury, you want to get back to your best as soon as you can. Everything has been moving in the right direction, and things are improving so I feel happy about where I am.
Fields suffered a right thumb injury in the Browns match, but was fully active throughout the week. He is not listed on the final injury report.
Fields was sacked nine times by Cleveland in his rookie NFL start. He was held to only 6 of 20 passes for 68 yards, and just 12 rushing yards on three occasions.
Fields, for his part, felt that he had a good week of practice and was able to put the Browns game behind.
Fields stated that this week's practice was more comfortable than last week's. "Just getting the basics under my belt and moving on from that, this week's practice felt much better," Fields said. Fields said, "Last week was the worst. I don't think so. However, I felt very comfortable this week."
Nagy agreed with the sentiment.
Nagy stated that Justin's last week's game was a great example of what he can do and that he will continue to learn from it. We, Nagy, and I, must help him. He should know that I did my best in practice week. Here is how I felt on game day. How are you going to get through this week? Am I getting better? Are there any improvements? Are I improving at the things that I used to be good at? Are I improving at things I was not so good at?
"That's what coaches do throughout practice week, which is to be able and watch him progress. From last week to this week, I can confirm that there is progress. Knowing and feeling the way he practiced is why I would answer that question.
Nagy did not say whether he would call offensive plays or if he would give the responsibility to Bill Lazor, an assistant coach, to continue calling them. In last Sunday's humiliating loss to the Browns, the Bears only had 47 net yards and one net passing yard. They averaged 1.1 yards per offensive plays.
