Bears Face Quarterback Uncertainty as Bagent Enters Concussion Protocol

The Chicago Bears are facing potential quarterback instability ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, as backup Tyson Bagent has entered the NFL's concussion protocol. This development, reported by NFL Network, comes as starting quarterback Caleb Williams is also sidelined with a hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week.

If both Williams and Bagent are unavailable, the Bears would likely turn to veteran quarterback Case Keenum, who would make his first start since 2023. Keenum has 66 starts in his NFL career across 80 games and would be marking his eighth team if he plays for Chicago.

Bagent entered the game for the Bears in their recent 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after Williams sustained his hamstring injury. Bagent was sacked on the final play of that game by Dallas Turner, a play that may have resulted in his concussion. He finished that game 5-for-9 passing for 54 yards.

Bagent, an undrafted quarterback, served as the team's backup throughout the 2023 season and has been the primary backup since Williams was drafted first overall in 2024. He had not been required to start a game in the current season until Williams' injury.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus has not definitively ruled out Williams, stating that the young quarterback is working through avenues to return. However, with Williams' status uncertain and Bagent now in protocol, the team is preparing for the possibility of starting Keenum, who last saw regular-season action with the Houston Texans in 2023, going 1-1 in two starts.