Tyson Bagent Expected to Start for Bears Against Jets as Caleb Williams Sits

Tyson Bagent is expected to take over as the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback against the New York Jets on Sunday, with Caleb Williams set to miss a second consecutive game because of a hamstring injury. Case Keenum, who sparked Chicago’s Monday night upset of Philadelphia, is projected to return to the No. 2 role.

What changed for the franchise

Bagent handled most of Chicago’s first-team work during the week, putting him in position to start at Soldier Field even though head coach Ben Johnson had not formally announced his quarterback decision.

The 26-year-old Bagent had been the primary backup behind Williams before concussion protocol disrupted his preparation ahead of Week 3. Although Bagent was cleared, Johnson turned to Keenum after the veteran received the bulk of the practice reps.

Keenum delivered in his first game action since December 2023, leading the Bears past the Eagles on Monday night. The 38-year-old completed 24 of 34 passes, threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown. That score made him the oldest Bears player to run for a touchdown in the franchise’s 107-season history.

Chicago’s quarterback room now appears ready to revert to its earlier order. Bagent signed a two-year extension during the offseason and was previously next in line when Williams was healthy. Keenum, also originally an undrafted player, would be available behind him.

Williams injured his hamstring in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. In relief during that game, Bagent went 5-for-9 for 54 yards.

Bagent is expected to make his first start since Nov. 9, 2023, when he was filling in for the injured Justin Fields during his rookie campaign under former coach Matt Eberflus. He has started four NFL games and owns a 2-2 record in those appearances.

Next kickoff

The Bears, 2-1, host the 1-2 Jets at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Soldier Field.