Bears fans got an early taste of the Justin Fields experience in their Week 1 game against the Rams, but may be seeing more of the rookie going forward.
Fields, who went 2-for-2 with a touchdown in Week 1, entered the Bears’ Week 2 matchup against the Bengals after Chicago starter Andy Dalton sustained a non-contact injury on a 14-yard scramble for a first down early in the first quarter and then replaced Dalton again when he left the game for the second time.
MORE: Sherman drawing interest from multiple teams
The injury to Andy Dalton leaves the situation with Justin Fields incorrectly resolved but with the correct result.
Feel for Andy, but Justin is the future of the franchise. Play him.pic.twitter.com/15ITisfvYB
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 19, 2021
Dalton returned to the game a few plays later, putting Fields back on the sidelines. But the saga continued when Dalton reaggravated his injury and left the game a second time with a questionable designation entering halftime.
Andy Dalton is questionable to return. Knee injury.
Justin Fields back in.— Kevin Powell (@kpowell720) September 19, 2021
Fields came out of the locker room at halftime and led the Bears’ drive out of the half with Dalton on the sideline.
Dalton, however, insisted to his teammates on the sideline that he was alright to start the third quarter, according to a report from Laura Okmin on the game’s broadcast.
Solid sideline report from Laura Okmin who says Andy Dalton is telling everyone who asks that he’s fine.
— Kevin Kaduk (@KevinKaduk) September 19, 2021
MORE: Tagovailoa leaves game against Bills with rib injury
Dalton went 9-for-10 with 56 yards and a touchdown and added 25 yards on two carries before leaving and gave the Bears a 7-0 lead heading into halftime. Fields was 2-of-4 for 21 yards and picked up 6 yards on two carries.