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Report: Fields has small rib fractures, could return soon

Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields could return to the field soon.

An MRI this week revealed that the rookie signal-caller has a few cracked ribs, an injury that isn't considered major, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The X-ray and CT scans reportedly came back negative after Fields was hurt in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but the MRI showed tiny rib fractures.

The 22-year-old has already been ruled out of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions, with Andy Dalton set to start for the Bears.

Dalton took over for Fields against the Ravens and almost led Chicago to a comeback win. The veteran began the season as the Bears' starter before suffering a knee injury and eventually losing his job permanently to the team's first-round pick.

Fields has struggled during his first NFL campaign. He's completed 58.1% of his passes for 1,361 yards and four touchdowns against eight interceptions while adding 311 yards and two scores on the ground.

Rumors have swirled that Chicago could fire head coach Matt Nagy following the Thanksgiving matchup. However, Bears chairman George McCaskey reportedly told his players that Nagy's future hasn't been decided yet. Nagy also denied the report of his imminent dismissal to the media.

The Bears are third in the NFC North at 3-7 and have lost five straight games.

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