Tyson Bagent gave the Bears something they badly needed on Saturday: a real chance to sort out the quarterback picture before Monday Night Football.
After moving through the NFL’s concussion protocol, Chicago’s backup quarterback was back on the practice field and back in the mix for the primetime matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Starter Caleb Williams is still out with a hamstring injury, which leaves the Bears weighing Bagent against veteran Case Keenum for the game at Soldier Field.
Adam Schefter was first to report that Bagent had cleared concussion protocol and was practicing. Courtney Cronin added that he had advanced far enough in the process to take part fully on Saturday. Even so, he still has two hurdles left before he can play: he must stay symptom-free and get final medical clearance from both team doctors and an independent neurologist.
Bagent landed in the protocol earlier in the week after stepping in for Williams during the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. In limited action, he completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards. The hit that caused the concussion came late in the game, and symptoms surfaced a couple of days later.
Ben Johnson said Bagent was at practice and stressed that health remains the top concern. The quarterback had already been back in team meetings on Friday, which kept him plugged into the game plan even while his physical work was limited. Johnson said the team will keep watching how things develop over the next day or two.
Keenum took first-team reps earlier in the week while both Williams and Bagent were unavailable. The 38-year-old brings plenty of starting experience, but he has not appeared in a regular-season game since 2023. Bagent, meanwhile, offers a different profile and more recent game action.
Johnson said the Bears’ choice will come down to both health and how each quarterback performs in practice. “There’s a different skill set, obviously,” Johnson said.
“One guy’s a little bit more mobile than the other, and yet both are very cerebral players. I know they’ll be mentally prepared for the game, and we’ll see what it looks like.
But there’s a reason why Tyson was the backup as we ended camp, and we felt good about who he is as a player and what he can bring to the table to this offense.”
With Williams sidelined and Bagent working back into the fold, Chicago’s quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into a Week 3 game that has already drawn attention for that very reason. Bagent’s return to practice at least gives the Bears a better read on where things stand as the final days of preparation unfold.
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