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Fields Making Progress, But Won't Play Vs. Cardinals; Dalton To Start At QB Again For Bears

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Justin Fields will miss his second consecutive game as he recovers from a rib injury, and Andy Dalton will get the start again on Sunday when the Chicago Bears host the NFL-leading Arizona Cardinals.

Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Fields is making progress from a rib injury he suffered in a Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but will not play on Sunday at Soldier Field.

"There's always going to be some hesitation when it comes to ribs. Just some simple things as throwing, dropping back, stretching out to hand the ball off. Whatever it is, all that stuff. He's improved with that and the pain has gotten better and better. You can't simulate is getting hit in practice," Naggy said.

Dalton will make his second consecutive start, and fourth overall this season, while Nick Foles will serve as the backup. Dalton began the season as the team's No. 1 quarterback but gave way to Fields after suffering a knee injury in the Week 2 loss to the Bengals.

"We've gotta be consistent with what we're doing. I think consistency is key. and for us obviously, it's great, to have that last strive to go on the long drive to allow us to win the game, kick the field goal right at the end it's something we can build off of for sure. I think we have to carry a little bit of that momentum into this week, " Dalton said.

While Fields returned to the practice field earlier this week, Dalton got the starter's reps, so it comes as little surprise that Fields will miss at least one more game.

It's not yet clear if Fields will be ready to return from his cracked ribs to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

"We've got to make sure medically he's safe. It's important for him to grow off that momentum he had the last couple of games," Nagy said earlier this week. "Those last two games, he had some moments you could feel him growing. This is a part of life of playing quarterback in this league."

The Bears also will be without defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Mario Edwards Jr., wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, and running back Damien Williams on Sunday. Wide receiver Allen Robinson is listed as doubtful and linebacker Roquan Smith is listed as questionable.

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