Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has backed Justin Fields as the team's quarterback for 2023, saying he would have to be "absolutely blown away" to take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick.

"Yeah. We had good conversations," Poles said during his season-ending news conference. "I'm excited for the direction he's going. As I mentioned before, he knows where he has to improve. I think he mentioned that the other day. We're excited about his development and where he goes next. He showed ability to be impactful with his legs. There's flashes with his arm. Now if we can put that together, I think we have something really good."

Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud are considered the top quarterbacks in a draft class that could feature as many as four quarterbacks taken in the first round.

"We're going to do the same as we've always done," Poles said. "We're going to evaluate the draft class, and I would say this: I would have to be absolutely blown away to make that type of decision."

The Chicago Bears will pick No. 1 for the first time since 1947 after their 29-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears secured the pick due to their loss and the Houston Texans' unexpected 32-31 win at the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Bears lost 10 straight games and were 3-14 for the season.

The Chicago Bears have ruled out Justin Fields for Sunday's season finale against the Minnesota Vikings due to a hip injury.

Nathan Peterman will start for the Bears.

Fields ends his second professional season 64 yards shy of setting the single-season quarterback rushing record, which Lamar Jackson reached during the 2019 season (1,206 yards). 

He rushed for 132 yards on 10 attempts against the Lions, including 105 yards in the first quarter, the most by a quarterback in a quarter over the last 45 seasons.

Matt Eberflus said Wednesday that Fields complained of hip soreness Monday and was sent to get an MRI, which revealed the quarterback suffered a strain.