The Chicago Bears are expected to start Tyson Bagent at quarterback against the New York Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Bagent took the majority of repetitions with the first-string offense during team practices this week, though head coach Ben Johnson had not officially confirmed the starting assignment when the report was published.
Tyson Bagent Expected to Start Against New York Jets
Sunday’s matchup at Soldier Field carries a 1:00 PM local kickoff time and pits a 2-1 Chicago squad against a 1-2 New York team. Bagent, a 26-year-old quarterback who entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023, is in line to command the offense as the Bears deal with injuries at the position. During his rookie season, Bagent made four starts for Chicago, compiling a 2-2 record in those outings.
Johnson noted during the week that Bagent earned the backup job out of training camp for specific reasons, positioning the young signal-caller to step back into the lineup. The contest against the Jets offers Bagent a chance to operate a complete offensive unit following a disrupted start to the autumn schedule.
Caleb Williams Sidelined by Hamstring Injury
Chicago’s quarterback rotation shifted following a hamstring injury sustained by Caleb Williams during the team’s second game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings. Williams has been officially ruled out for a second week, leaving the offense without its primary starter.
When Williams exited the Minnesota game, Bagent initially stepped in as the replacement before sustaining a concussion. Because Bagent had not cleared the league’s concussion protocol in time for the subsequent fixture, veteran Case Keenum received the start against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Case Keenum Shines in Victory Over Philadelphia Eagles
Despite Bagent returning to the forefront of practice reps this week, the coaching staff weighed a strong performance from 38-year-old veteran Case Keenum. Filling in against Philadelphia, Keenum completed 24 of 34 pass attempts for 247 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score in a 27-7 victory.
Even with Keenum’s output, the organization appears intent on returning to its initial plan with Bagent steering the offense. Johnson and the coaching staff have maintained confidence in the preparation Bagent displayed throughout training camp.
Unresolved Questions Surrounding Sunday’s Lineup
As the team prepares to host New York, the official confirmation from Ben Johnson regarding the starting quarterback remains pending. Whether Bagent takes the opening snap or if late adjustments alter the game plan for Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field has not been formally announced by the franchise.
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