LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The Bears on Monday morning were still awaiting a formal diagnosis on rookie quarterback Justin Fields' ribs injury after he exited in the third quarter of Chicago's 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon.
Bears coach Matt Nagy wasn't certain on whether Fields suffered a fracture or any additional damage with his ribs injury, he said Monday. Fields is believed to have suffered a bruise to his ribs, according to reports, but he's undergoing further testing Monday to confirm his status.
The Bears (3-7) visit the Lions (0-9-1) on Thursday for an 11:30 a.m. kickoff. They're currently preparing for dual possibilities -- that Fields is cleared to play or that he's sidelined and veteran Andy Dalton starts.
"We prepare for both game plan-wise," Nagy said.
Shop for the latest Bears team gear here.
Nagy didn't know if Fields suffered his ribs injury at one certain moment or if it was a cumulative injury from taking hits during the game Sunday. The 22-year-old Fields suffered a fracture to his ribs during a semifinal game with Ohio State last January and played through the injury. Nagy indicated the Bears will be cautious with Fields' health in deciding when he can return.
Fields was 4-of-11 for 79 yards before leaving with the injury during the third quarter. Dalton was 11-of-23 for 201 yards and two touchdowns in replacing Fields.
Dalton, 34, started the Bears' first two games of the season before suffering a knee injury. Fields has started each of the eight games since, with Dalton playing just briefly during an Oct. 10 game.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.