Ex-Bears QB Justin Fields to start Steelers' opener vs. Falcons

The Bears' hopes of improving their compensation on the Justin Fields trade got momentum Sunday when the Steelers ruled out veteran quarterback Russell Wilson for their season opener. That means Fields will start for them against the Falcons in his hometown.

The Bears dealt Fields to the Steelers in March once it became clear they intended to draft USC's Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick. They received a 2025 sixth-round pick, but it escalates to a fourth-rounder if Fields plays at least 51% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps.

He was expected to begin the season sitting behind Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, but he is dealing with a calf injury. Fields completed 19 of 27 passes for 199 yards and a 91.4 passer rating in the preseason, but had ball security issues in a continuation of his problems with the Bears.

It was a relatively simple decision for the Bears to move on from Fields. While previous general manager Ryan Pace traded up to draft him No. 11 overall in 2021, successor Ryan Poles could not commit to him long term — especially with a high draft pick in hand. The Bears had grades on multiple quarterbacks in the draft that would've warranted making a move.

The Bears went 10-28 in Fields' starts. He completed 60.3% of his passes, averaged 166.9 yards passing per game, threw 40 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions and finished with an 82.3 passer rating in three seasons. He also averaged 55.5 yards rushing per game and in 2022 became the third quarterback ever to run for 1,000 yards.