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Chicago Bears to start Justin Fields in place of Andy Dalton

By Bruce Kropp Oct 3, 2021 | 8:48 AM

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears say rookie quarterback Justin Fields will start against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The team announced Saturday that Fields will make his second straight start while listing Andy Dalton as doubtful. Coach Matt Nagy had said the Bears would wait until game time to announce who would be behind center. Both quarterbacks are dealing with injuries, but Fields was able to go through full practices the entire week while Dalton was limited every day. Dalton is recovering from a bone bruise to his left knee while Fields wore a brace on his injured right hand all week in practice. Fields injured his right thumb during last weekend’s 26-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Dalton got hurt right before halftime in Week 2 against Cincinnati.

Elsewhere in the NFL:

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski will miss his return trip to New England because of a rib injury. It’s the first game he has missed since he came out of retirement to play alongside Tom Brady with the Buccaneers.

— The Bears say rookie Josh Fields will make his second straight start Sunday against the Lions while listing Andy Dalton as doubtful. Fields was able to go through full practices the entire week while Dalton was limited every day because of a bone bruise to his left knee. Fields wore a brace on his injured right hand all week in practice.

— The Colts have placed three-time All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson on injured reserve, a move that will keep him out at least three weeks.

— The Ravens have activated running back Le’Veon Bell from the practice squad and put defensive end Derek Wolfe on injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game at Denver.