Bears notes: Justin Fields doesn’t want fans to boo Andy Dalton

CHICAGO – There was a lot of negative energy buzzing through Soldier Field as Bears quarterback Andy Dalton struggled and the Buffalo Bills took a 34-6 lead into halftime.

That all changed the moment Justin Fields stepped onto the field.

The rookie quarterback entered Saturday’s game after halftime to a rousing ovation, many fans standing as he made his way to the huddle. Some fans had been chanting for Fields earlier in the game, even as Dalton struggled through the first half.

Fields said he felt the chants were “disrespectful” toward Dalton.

“Just cheer him on” Fields said after the game. “That is not helping Andy play better.”

It’s the right sentiment for the rookie quarterback to take. But it probably won’t stop fans from expressing their feelings.

On the field, Fields wasn’t as electric as he had been a week earlier in the first preseason game against Miami, but he still wowed fans with his ability to move the chains with his legs and with a few really nice throws.

At one point he dropped a 32-yard completion to tight end Jesse James. On the same possession, he twice gained first downs scrambling from the pocket. Unfortunately, that drive stalled out in the red zone. Fields finished his day 9-for-19 for 80 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He ran for 46 yards on four carries.

The completion to James was the exact same play they connected on last week.

“They were in man coverage,” Fields said. “Of course, you want to use the naked [boot] to get the safety moving to the right and just throw back left. So [James] beat the linebacker who was on him. And of course it ended up being a big, big play.”

Later, Fields led one short touchdown-scoring drive, when the Bears started with a short field. Rookie running back Khalil Herbert scored a 13-yard rushing touchdown to cap a three-play, 43-yard touchdown drive.

Fields absorbed one big hit, which knocked his helmet flying. Bills linebacker Andre Smith was penalized for roughing the passer.

Fields said it looked worse than it was.

“It didn’t really hurt to be honest with you,” Fields said. “I think the one thing that hurt was my helmet coming up and hitting me in the eye. But the actual hit was no big deal.”

The struggles of the first-team offense, with Andy Dalton leading the charge, are only continuing to give fans reason to chant, “We want Justin,” throughout Soldier Field. The longer Dalton struggles, the more head coach Matt Nagy is going to have to hear that.

For now, the plan remains in place to start Dalton in Week 1. Yes, the first-team offense has dealt with injuries at key positions, but the lack of production in the preseason is still highly concerning.

Fields just wants fans to support the team.

“Of course, the fans are awesome,” Fields said. “They also have to realize Andy’s a human being too. Andy’s on the field right now, so I really think it’s kind of disrespectful to Andy, them cheering my name out like that.”

Injury update: Bears defensive tackle Bilal Nichols left the game midway through the second quarter with a toe injury. Nichols visited the Bears’ injury tent along the sideline before heading to the locker room. He walked to the locker room under his own power.

Nichols dealt with a toe injury during veteran minicamp in the spring as well. It’s unclear if this is the same injury.

Linebacker Austin Calitro suffered a hand injury during the game, according to Nagy, and receiver Javon Wims is having his appendix looked at. Nagy was unsure how serious Wims’ appendix issue might be.

Borom makes preseason debut: After sitting out a week with a concussion, rookie fifth-round draft pick Larry Borom made his preseason debut Saturday. He played left tackle in the second half.

Borom has been making the transition to left tackle in practice. He played only one game at left tackle in college and was mostly a right tackle.

“[It’s] just footwork,” Borom said. “It’s all muscle memory, doing it over and over again. I’ve been on the right so long.”

With Teven Jenkins sidelined due to back surgery, the Bears are going to need someone to step into the starting role at left tackle. Veteran Jason Peters signed earlier this week, but sat out Saturday’s game. Elijah Wilkinson earned the start at left tackle, but doesn’t have much regular season experience at the position.