Bears Turn to Backup QB Tyson Bagent After Caleb Williams' Hamstring Injury

The Chicago Bears are preparing to start backup quarterback Tyson Bagent in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles following a hamstring injury to their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams. Williams sustained the non-contact injury during the fourth quarter of the Bears' recent game against the Minnesota Vikings.

While the team has not provided a definitive timeline for Williams' return, coach Ben Johnson indicated he is expected to miss "some time." However, a report from The Ringer suggests Williams could potentially play as soon as Monday night against the Eagles. The Bears experienced a significant shift in momentum after Williams' injury, ultimately losing the game to the Vikings 9-3 after a 59-point performance in Week 1.

Tyson Bagent, 26, joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in May 2023. He stepped in to start four games during his rookie season after then-starting quarterback Justin Fields suffered a dislocated thumb. In those five total games as a rookie, Bagent recorded 859 passing yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a 65.7 percent completion rate. The Bears won two of the five games he started.

Following the Bears' selection of Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bagent returned to a backup role. The team demonstrated confidence in him by signing him to a $10 million extension in August 2025.

During Sunday's game against the Vikings, Bagent led one full offensive drive late in the fourth quarter, nearly orchestrating a comeback. However, the attempt fell short inside the Minnesota 20-yard line when he was sacked on the final play. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards in that drive.

"Last play, it got kind of hairy for me, but unacceptable on my end," Bagent said postgame. "Can’t take a sack on the last play. Gotta at least give somebody a chance."

Bagent expressed readiness for the upcoming opportunity, stating he feels "great" and is prepared to lead. "I don’t think anything will change as far as my week goes, other than practice reps going up," he said, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. "Just got to continue to stay focused, continue to stay sharp and prepare the best that we can going into each week."

Should Bagent perform well in an extended role, it could increase his value as a trade asset for teams in need of quarterback depth. In the 2024 preseason, Bagent played in two games. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a win against the Browns. He followed that with 208 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding 21 rushing yards, in a preseason victory over the Titans.

The Bears are scheduled to face the Eagles on "Monday Night Football" in Philadelphia for Week 3.