Bears quarterback Nick Foles is not participating in the team’s voluntary organized team activity practice this week because he’s “dealing with some personal things,” coach Matt Nagy said. Foles, he said, could return as early as next week.
When he does, his place in the Bears’ pecking order will be clear. Nagy said Foles will get third-string reps, with Andy Dalton taking the starter’s snaps and first-round pick Justin Fields taking the backup snaps. The Bears have a plan in place to ensure Fields gets enough snaps to aid in his development.
Both Dalton and Fields are attending OTAs.
“Nick and I have talked, and he understands going into this that Justin is going to get the [No.] 2 reps,” Nagy said. “And Nick’s going to get the 3 reps. Nick is a true pro and understands it. [He] is still very competitive and that’s why I say like in all these meetings, it’s just really special to see how they’re trying to help Justin out and team him how to play quarterback and how to watch film and study this offense. But also Justin helping them, too, with what he sees. So it’s been really good.”
Foles and receiver Allen Robinson — who signed his franchise tag tender but wants a long-term contract — were the two major offensive players not in attendance at Wednesday’s OTA practice. The defense was another story — every starter but inside linebacker Roquan Smith sat out the on-field work. The NFL Players Association tried to organize boycotts of all voluntary work this offseason, with mixed results throughout the the league.
Rookie receiver Dazz Newsome hurt his left shoulder and was at practice in a sling. Running back Tarik Cohen, who is recovering from knee surgery, watched from the sidelines.
Nagy said the absent players were all still participating in virtual meetings.
The Bears traded for Foles a year ago, but set about upgrading the position this offseason. They promised Dalton the starting job and then drafted Fields. It’s unclear what role Foles has on the team — short of mentor. It’s actually cheaper for the Bears to keep him, salary cap-wise, than it is for them to cut him. Foles’ 2021 salary — and $1 million of his 2022 salary — is guaranteed.
Few teams in the NFL have a glaring need for a veteran backup mentor — with the exception of the Jets, who have no established quarterbacks behind first-round pick Zach Wilson.
