Bears name QB Andy Dalton starter for Week 13 matchup vs. Cardinals

Dec 3, 2021, 1:10 PM

While it’s unknown whether or not quarterback Kyler Murray will play Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals at least know which signal caller they’ll face after Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy named Andy Dalton the starter Friday for the Week 13 tilt.

Nagy told reporters that while starting rookie quarterback Justin Fields is making progress with his cracked ribs, he is not yet ready to return.

In five games (three starts) this season, Dalton has completed 64.3% of his passes for 788 yards and four touchdowns to two interceptions.

Dalton turned in his best game of the season against the winless Detroit Lions in Week 12, throwing for 317 yards, a touchdown and a pick on 24-of-39 passing (61.5%).

The injuries don’t stop there for the Bears, with wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (foot/ribs) and defensive linemen Akiem Hicks (ankle) and Mario Edwards Jr. (ribs) already ruled out for Sunday’s contest.

Chicago could, however, get some added help along the offensive line in the form of rookie tackle Teven Jenkins.

Nagy told reporters the lineman is expected to be activated off of injured reserve and will be available to dress on Sunday.

Jenkins was placed on the IR after going down with a back injury ahead of training camp that ended up requiring surgery.

The Cardinals take on the Bears at 11 a.m. Sunday in Chicago. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for all the action.

Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins returns to the practice field Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins returns to the practice field Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury looks on ahead of practice Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury looks on ahead of practice Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins and LB Chandler Jones joke around during warm ups ahead of practice Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals Trace McSorley warms up ahead of practice Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports) Arizona Cardinals DL Leki Fotu runs through drills during practice Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to his game against the Philadelphia Eagles...

Tom Kuebel

Bleacher Report: Cardinals’ Kyler Murray is NFL’s most overrated QB

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport ranks Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray as the most overrated player at his position in the NFL.

11 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort...

Arizona Sports

Barnwell: Arizona Cardinals 12th-most improved team this offseason

In ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell's eyes, the Cardinals are among those who have used the offseason to their advantage.

2 days ago

Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the second quarter against the Carolina Pan...

Wills Rice

ESPN’s Bowen: Best potential landing spots for Budda Baker, DeAndre Hopkins

ESPN's Matt Bowen gave the best potential landing spots for both wideout DeAndre Hopkins and Cardinals safety Budda Baker.

1 day ago

James Conner...

Tyler Drake

No complaints: Cardinals’ James Conner excited to ‘prove people wrong’ with new regime

While outside expectations are some of the lowest they have been in Cardinals history, RB James Conner isn't focused on the external noise.

1 day ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Simms: Cardinals’ Kyler Murray in ‘clock’s ticking’ tier of NFL quarterbacks

After going down with a season-ending knee injury, can Kyler Murray return to form and be one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL?

2 days ago

DeAndre Hopkins...

Tyler Drake

Gannon: WR DeAndre Hopkins’ release best thing for Cardinals

No matter how it all shook out, the Arizona Cardinals parting ways with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason was expected.

2 days ago

Bears name QB Andy Dalton starter for Week 13 matchup vs. Cardinals