Justin Fields was the one reason Chicago Bears fans had to watch games towards the end of the 2021 season. His development seemed to be coming along pretty well despite the usual rookie hiccups. Nothing seemed amiss after the Minnesota Vikings game on Monday night. that is until it was reported he'd suffered an ankle injury. One that required a walking boot. This raised concerns about whether the QB would see any action the rest of the year.
Those were validated a week later when Nick Foles got the nod to start against the Seattle Seahawks. Hopes were still alive that maybe Fields would be able to return for the New York Giants showdown at Soldier Field. He has managed to practice in a limited fashion all week, but it seems that hasn't been enough to convince coaches and trainers that he should play in what is a meaningless game. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, it's expected that Andy Dalton will be declared the starter.
The veteran has practiced in full all week.
One has to feel bad for Justin Fields. He's endured a lot this season. Playing in a less-than-adequate offensive system and surrounded by a supporting cast that can't even be called average at this point. All of this while taking a major beating in the process. He is the most sacked quarterback in the NFL and that many hits are bound to take a toll. The rookie already suffered cracked ribs a few weeks ago. Now it's a bad ankle issue. There is a strong possibility he doesn't see action for the remainder of the season. While head coach Matt Nagy insisted there was no plan to put Fields on Injured Reserve, it is looking likely they'll shut him down for the season finale in Minnesota at this rate. This should give him ample time to heal up and start preparing for 2022. By next month he and everybody else should have an idea of the new coaching staff he'll be working with.
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