Tyson Bagent Named Chicago Bears Starter for Green Bay Packers Game
“Tyson will be our man. We’ll see after that. We’re in a good position,” Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson said during an appearance on ESPN1000, confirming that Tyson Bagent will start at quarterback Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
The decision comes after Bagent completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards—setting a new career high—with one interception in a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets at Soldier Field, as reported by PenseBet. While veteran Case Keenum took the game’s opening snap to hand off to D’Andre Swift while Bagent lined up wide, Bagent quickly took over full command of the offense.
Quarterback Rotation and Injury Context in Chicago
The Bears have managed the NFL season through a series of roster adjustments under center. Caleb Williams opened the year as the starter, leading Chicago to a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers before suffering a hamstring injury during a 9-3 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Keenum stepped in to direct a 27-7 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles while Bagent recovered from a concussion.
Reflecting on the steady climb back to the starting lineup, Bagent noted the backing he received from teammates and coaches. “The guys rallied behind me. I felt extreme faith from the coaches,” Bagent told reporters after the Jets game, adding that the support allowed him to go spin it at a higher level. At 26 years old, Bagent is preparing for his first start since the 2023 season, when he filled in for Justin Fields and posted a 2-2 record. Across 14 career appearances, he holds a 67.2 completion percentage with 1,239 yards, three touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Keenum personally asked Coach Johnson for permission to deliver the starting news to Bagent. Bagent later praised Keenum as a vital mentor and close friend who helped him prepare throughout the week.
Roster Impact and Defensive Absences Ahead of the Border Battle
Both rivals enter Sunday’s matchup dealing with significant injuries. The Green Bay Packers suffered a major defensive blow when linebacker Edgerrin Cooper sustained a left Achilles tendon tear, ruling him out for the remainder of the season following medical evaluations. Meanwhile, the New York Jets reported that defender Braiden McGregor suffered a torn pectoral muscle against Chicago and will miss the rest of the year, according to ESPN.
The Bears’ ground game and defense anchored their recent success, rushing for 232 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries while controlling the time of possession at 42 minutes and 45 seconds against the Jets. Bagent acknowledged the physical effort required to secure the victory, pointing to a crowd that serenaded him off the field with John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as stadium speakers celebrated his West Virginia roots, alongside his father Travis Bagent, a world arm-wrestling champion, watching from the stands alongside family and friends.
Bagent Faces Packers Defense at Lambeau Field
Sunday’s kickoff marks the latest chapter in the NFL’s oldest rivalry, set at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Bagent faces a Packers defense tasked with containing a Chicago offense that leans heavily on established ball-control tactics and an efficient run game. Kickoff details and broadcast assignments remain aligned with standard regional programming schedules for the NFC North division matchup.
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