(670 The Score) The Bears will turn back to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton as their starter against the Giants on Sunday, with rookie Justin Fields (ankle) still not ready to return.
Fields practiced in a limited fashion this week, but the Bears didn't deem him to be healthy enough to be effective.
"We want to have him be able to do everything," coach Matt Nagy said of Fields' health. "And he wants that too.
"We want him to be as close to 100% as he can get and he's just not there right now."
Fields suffered the ankle injury in the Bears' loss to the Vikings on Dec. 20. He missed Chicago's win at Seattle last Sunday, a game in which third-string quarterback Nick Foles started and rallied the team to the victory late. Foles is set to be the Bears' the backup to Dalton on Sunday, as Fields isn't expected to be active.
Fields, 22, has started 10 this season while dealing with multiple injuries. He has completed 58.9% of his passes for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dalton, 34, has started in four games for the Bears, completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,017 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions.
In other news, the Bears listed defensive lineman Akiem Hicks as questionable for Sunday as he works back from COVID-19. Hicks was activated Friday.
Offensive tackle Jason Peters (ankle) is also questionable. Nagy declined to name a starter at either tackle position. Cornerback Duke Shelley (heel) is questionable to play, and tight end J.P. Holtz (personal) is doubtful.
The Bears (5-10) and Giants (4-11) kick off at noon CT on Sunday from Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.