INGLEWOOD, Calif. (670 The Score) -- As he stood on the sideline of SoFi Stadium on Sunday night, Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields took in the scene.
"When I was a kid, I was kind of a realist," Fields said. "So I never really thought I'd have the talent growing up making it to the NFL. It's crazy seeing myself here."
Then Fields stepped onto the field for the first time, making his NFL debut in the Bears' 34-14 loss to the Rams in their season opener. While his playing time was limited, his leading role in special packages for the offense electrified the Bears fans who traveled to Los Angeles, and he also provided a spark for his teammates.
Fields played in five of the Bears' 69 offensive plays, replacing starter Andy Dalton in certain situations. He went 2-for-2 for 10 yards passing and added a three-yard touchdown run around right end in the third quarter that helped cut the Bears' deficit to 20-14.
"However my role plays out, I'm going to be here for the team," Fields said. "Whatever this team and coach (Matt) Nagy need me to do to help us win, I'm going to do."
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Before each drive for the Bears' offense, Fields threw passes along the sideline and stretched his legs. Bears coach Matt Nagy planned the role for Fields but added he wants to be mindful of how it impacts the rhythm of Dalton and the offense.
"It didn't affect me at all," Dalton said of the rotation.
Dalton started the game, as the Bears had planned all along since trading up to select Fields with the No. 11 pick in the NFL Draft in April. The 33-year-old Dalton was 27-of-38 for 206 yards and an interception in his own respective debut with the Bears.
Nagy indicated the Bears limited Fields' plays once the score got out of hand late. The Bears host the Bengals at Soldier Field next Sunday, when everyone once again will be wondering how much Fields will play.
"You got to have a little feel to it and see," Nagy said. "You got to have a why as to it."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.