Bears QB Andy Dalton reportedly could miss additional time due to knee injury

Rookie quarterback Justin Fields is set to make his first NFL start Sunday for the Chicago Bears, and there's a chance he could start another game or two.

Bears veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton could miss an "additional week or two" with a bone bruise on his left knee depending on how quickly he recovers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Dalton suffered the injury in a 20-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend. He tweaked his knee on a 14-yard scramble in the first half of that game and was eventually replaced by Fields. 

Chicago has not placed Dalton on injured reserve, and there is hope he will return sooner than three weeks. 

Bears head coach Matt Nagy said earlier this week that Dalton would remain Chicago's starter when healthy. The franchise has remained adamant about starting Dalton to allow Fields time to develop during his rookie year. 

Fields, whom the Bears selected 11th overall in this year's draft, said Wednesday that he is ready to start Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, telling reporters, "I've been preparing for this moment a long time."

When Fields entered in relief of Dalton last weekend, he went 6-of-13 passing for 60 yards and an interception. He also rushed for 31 yards. 

Bears fans have been begging Nagy to start Fields since before the regular season began. They got their wish. Now they better hope the former Ohio State star can deliver.

The Bears are 1-1, losing their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams before beating the Bengals.