LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The Bears remain committed to veteran Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback, but they also intend to give rookie Justin Fields his opportunity to shine.
Fields will take the lion's share of the snaps Saturday, when the Bears host the Dolphins at Soldier Field in their preseason opener. The Bears envision Fields taking over after Dalton directs one or two series, coach Matt Nagy said while adding the fans in attendance could see Fields play into the fourth quarter.
"What's real is real, there’s going to be a lot of excitement out there for our team and for Justin when he goes out there," Nagy said. "That’s his job. He’s been on a big stage before. So the beauty of that is that he knows how to handle that stuff. He’s very mature and focused.
"He doesn’t let a moment get too big for him. He’s very calm, very reserved."
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As the Bears and Dolphins held their second joint practice at Halas Hall on Thursday morning, Fields showcased some of what the team hopes is in store for him. He was successful leading Chicago's second-team offense against Miami's reserve units in goal-line work, throwing multiple touchdown passes and running one in. (Worth noting: Quarterbacks can't be touched during these drills.)
The Dolphins presented a new challenge for Fields in the two joint practices by bringing unique blitz schemes, something Nagy and the Bears welcomed. While Fields couldn't be physically sacked, the looks gave him something to learn from on film.
Fields won't take a hit until the preseason starts, and he probably isn't going to face an opposing first-team defense until he first takes the field in the regular season. Even so, the Bears have admired his mindset early in training camp.
"He's catching on quick," veteran running back Damien Williams said. "He's learning. From when I first saw him come in to now, it's a big improvement. You start to see him being comfortable, being able to play with your swag. You see that in him now.
"He has a great career ahead of him."
Key newcomers
In the quest to build what the Chiefs have with their offense, Nagy and the Bears have brought in a few new faces with familiar skill sets.
The veteran running back Williams and receivers Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd give the Bears depth at their respective positions and also some dynamic abilities.
A six-year NFL veteran, Williams opted out of the 2020 season due to a family health matter. He had played the previous two years for the Chiefs and was a key part of their Super Bowl championship in the 2019 season. The Bears have turned to Williams as their second running back behind starter David Montgomery, with Nagy trusting him in the running and passing games.
"It goes to show what he can do not only as a ball-carrier but as a pass catcher," Nagy said. "And you see some of those one-on-one routes with those linebackers, I mean, he’s rare with that."
The additions of Goodwin and Byrd have put pressure on returning receivers like Riley Ridley and Javon Wims. After the Bears traded Anthony Miller to the Texans in July, it became clear the team has run out of patience with inconsistent receivers.
Goodwin and Byrd give the Bears veteran stability at the position and have the type of speed that can change a game. In particular, Goodwin -- who likely will be the third receiver behind Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney -- boasts Olympic-caliber speed.
"Run fast, score touchdowns," Goodwin said of his role. "That's what I feel like I can do. I think I can bring a lot more than just speed though. Just my attitude and the way I approach every day. I love being around guys and the team."
Pushing and shoving
During a drill between the Bears' defensive front and Dolphins' blockers, Chicago star pass rusher Khalil Mack and Miami tight end Adam Shaheen got entangled before being separated. Sheehan is a former Bear, playing in Chicago from 2017-'19.
“It was a back-and-forth," Shaheen told reporters in the Dolphins' media contingent. "It’s going to happen.”
Injury report
After being a late scratch from practice Wednesday due to a hamstring issue, Robinson returned Thursday as a limited participant. So too did Goodwin (foot) and linebacker Robert Quinn (back).
The Bears' injury report otherwise remains unchanged, with linebacker Roquan Smith (groin), guard James Daniels (quad) and offensive tackle Teven Jenkins (back) among those being held out of practice. Guard Alex Bars limped off the field with an apparent injury, though the team didn't immediately provide an update or details on his health.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.