The quarterback saga for the Chicago Bears took another unexpected turn on Sunday.
Despite Tyson Bagent, Caleb Williams’ backup, successfully clearing the concussion protocol, he won’t be starting on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, as reported by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
Bagent returned to practice on Saturday after suffering a concussion during last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the team, along with head coach Ben Johnson, has chosen to go with third-string quarterback Case Keenum instead.
Bagent stepped in for Williams last week when Williams was sidelined with a right hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
ESPN has indicated that Williams will miss the game on Monday and could be out for about 3 to 4 weeks due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
In relief of Williams, Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes but was sacked on the last play of the game.
Glazer mentioned that the decision to start Keenum was based on the assessment that Bagent didn’t have sufficient time to prepare for the Eagles’ defense.
If Keenum struggles on Monday, Bagent will remain an option off the bench.
The Bears were compelled to rely on Bagent after Williams exited the game against Minnesota.
This will mark the first game Williams has missed since being drafted first overall by the Bears in 2024. He had an impressive start, leading Chicago to a score of 59 against the Carolina Panthers in their opening week but faced challenges against the Vikings a week ago.
Bagent was listed as questionable on Saturday’s injury report, allowing Keenum, who has started 66 games in his 11-year career, to take the lead. His last start was on Christmas Eve 2023 with the Houston Texans.
Bagent, for his part, has only started four games in the NFL, all as a rookie with the Bears this year.
Williams is among several starting quarterbacks who have sustained injuries keeping them out for extended periods.
The Bears, who have a record of 1-1 heading into Monday’s matchup, will host the Jets on October 4.
