CHICAGO - Bears quarterback Andy Dalton will start Sunday against the New York Giants in the team's home finale, coach Matt Nagy said Friday.
Dalton preferred rookie Justin Fields, who is suffering from an ankle injury. Last week's starter, Nick Foles, would serve as Dalton's backup, although Nagy did not rule out Fields being No.
“We will continue to push Justin forward and do everything he can to get ready for next week,” Nagy said. "And of course his health would be the No. 1 concern for doing so. He's getting better every day."
Fields missed last week's game, which the Bears won on a late touchdown drive, giving Foles his first game time of the season.
Fields has started 10 games this season, and the team hopes to get another match in the Bears' finals against the Minnesota Vikings next week. Negi indicated that Fields is still battling with pain in his ankle.
“He is definitely getting better, but at the same time, we want to make sure that when he is there he is as close to 100% as possible,” Nagy said. "We want him to be able to do everything."
This will be Dalton's fifth start of the season. He has endured his share of injuries including arm and groin issues. He has also contracted COVID-19 for the second consecutive season.
"Unfortunately, two for two with COVID," Dalton said. "Last year I felt a lot worse than this year, so thankfully it wasn't too bad for me."
The Bears also announced that defensive tackle Akim Hicks has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list.