The Chicago Bears entered Tuesday expecting Tyson Bagent to prepare as their likely starter against Philadelphia. By the afternoon, even that plan was uncertain. Bagent is in the NFL concussion protocol, according to separate reports from NFL Network and The Associated Press, while Caleb Williams continues to recover from a right hamstring injury.
If neither quarterback is cleared for Monday night's game at Soldier Field, veteran Case Keenum could make his first regular season start since 2023. Chicago has not named a starter, and Williams has not been ruled out.
How the Bears reached this point
Williams injured his hamstring during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 9 to 3 loss to Minnesota. Coach Ben Johnson described him as week to week on Monday and said he did not expect Williams to practice this week, although he left open the possibility of a quick return. Bagent replaced Williams and completed five of nine passes for 54 yards. He was sacked on the final play.
Bagent would need to complete the required concussion protocol before playing against the Eagles. The Monday night schedule provides an extra day, but his availability cannot be assumed. The Bears' first injury report for the week will give a clearer view of who is able to practice.
The change is significant because Johnson had expressed confidence in Bagent as Williams' replacement. Bagent knows the offense and has been with Chicago since 2023, when he made four starts as an undrafted rookie. Chicago was preparing to give him a full week of work with the first team. That plan now has to account for another quarterback.
Keenum moves into the conversation
Keenum is 38 and has made 66 career regular season starts. He has not thrown a pass in a regular season game since December 2023, when he played for Houston. Experience is the advantage he offers Chicago, but stepping into an offense with little recent game action would be a substantial challenge against Philadelphia.
Johnson said Monday that he trusts both Bagent and Keenum if Williams cannot play. At that point Bagent appeared next in line. Tuesday's report gives Keenum a realistic path to the field, while leaving three possible starters in play.
There is no confirmed timetable for Bagent to clear protocol or for Williams to return. The Bears have several days before facing the Eagles, and the responsible question now is which quarterbacks can practice and progress through their respective recoveries. Until then, Keenum is a possibility, not a confirmed starter.
*Featured image: Tyson Bagent before a Bears game in 2024. Photo by ZappaOMatic, released under CC0 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons.*