Bears' Quarterback Depth Tested as Bagent Enters Concussion Protocol
Chicago faces uncertainty at the quarterback position with injuries to both Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent ahead of their matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chicago Bears' quarterback situation has become increasingly precarious with backup Tyson Bagent entering the NFL's concussion protocol. This development comes on the heels of starting quarterback Caleb Williams leaving Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings due to a right hamstring injury.
Bagent was expected to absorb the majority of first-team practice reps with Williams sidelined. Bears coach Ben Johnson described Williams's injury as "week to week" but did not definitively rule out the possibility of the 2024 draft's No. 1 overall pick playing against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Johnson indicated that Williams would not practice this week but is working diligently to recover, noting the quarterback's history of faster-than-anticipated returns from injuries.
If both Williams and Bagent are unavailable for the Eagles game, the Bears would likely turn to veteran Case Keenum. The 38-year-old Keenum brings 66 career starts to the team, though his last regular-season pass attempt occurred on December 24, 2023, while playing for Houston.
Bagent, 26, completed five of nine passes for 54 yards against the Vikings before being sacked by Dallas Turner on the game's final play. He was signed by the Bears in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent after a record-setting college career at Shepherd University. As a rookie, he started four games, appearing in five, and threw for 859 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions. He signed a two-year contract extension in August 2025.
Williams sustained his injury during a scramble deep in Vikings territory with approximately seven minutes remaining in the game. Despite an audible scream on the field and an emotional reaction, reports suggest his hamstring strain may not be as severe as initially feared, though he left the field with a towel over his head.
Williams's performance against Minnesota saw him complete 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards, with one interception. He also added 42 rushing yards on five carries in the rainy conditions at Soldier Field.
Following the game against Philadelphia, the Bears are scheduled to play the New York Jets on October 4, followed by a road game against the Green Bay Packers on October 11.