Tyson Bagent is expected to start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears against the New York Jets at Soldier Field, as Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Bagent took the majority of first-team reps in practice this week, edging out veteran Case Keenum after a concussion recovery.
The Chicago Bears are turning back to Tyson Bagent under center. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bagent took the majority of first-team reps during practice throughout the week.
Yahoo Sports noted that the decision follows a second straight week on the sideline for franchise passer Caleb Williams, who is recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings. While Johnson stopped short of making an official game-day announcement to the media, pointing out that we’ll find out on Sunday
during his Friday availability, multiple league reports indicate the signal-caller is set to resume his role as the team’s primary fill-in.
Case Keenum Shines on Monday Night Football Before the Pivot Back to Bagent
Playing in his first regular-season game since December 2023, the 38-year-old journeyman completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, threw two touchdowns, and scrambled for a 1-yard goal-line score in a 27-7 defeat of the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 28. The quarterback debate in Chicago intensified after Keenum delivered that unforgettable performance.
Bagent later revealed that reporting his symptoms was a grueling choice that cost him the starting nod. That Monday night masterclass came together under unusual circumstances after Bagent had spent the days leading up to the game trapped in the NFL’s concussion protocol following a hit in relief against Minnesota.
“Your brain is far more important than being able to play in a game, no matter how high-stakes the game is. We made the right decision.”
Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears backup quarterback, via Chicago Sun-Times
He enthusiastically supported Keenum’s heroics against Philadelphia, noting that watching a veteran orchestrate the offense provided a masterclass in preparation once cleared, as Bagent faced zero controversy inside the quarterback room.
“Obviously, I would like everything that the football world can offer me, but then there’s also the fact that I am from Shepherd University, so I have absolutely zero ego in this. And nobody is a bigger cheerleader and fan of Case Keenum than I am. I think he’s the epitome of what I believe a quarterback is supposed to be, so it was fun to watch him play.”
Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears quarterback, via Chicago Bears
Full confidence in Bagent is also held by offensive coordinator Press Taylor, noting the quarterback registered preseason passer marks of 119.9 in 2024, 106.6 in 2025, and 119.3 in 2026. He's a guy that we've never felt like you have to worry about his mindset,
Taylor said.
Coaching Staff Backing for Bagent
Sports Illustrated reported that ESPN’s Adam Schefter pointed to Bagent’s status as the team’s solidified No. 2 option, backed by a two-year, $10 million contract extension signed in August 2025. The decision to elevate Bagent reflects an organizational investment beyond the immediate matchup against the Jets.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor highlighted that cerebral approach in team commentary, noting that Bagent is one of the most locked-in individuals he has ever been around, while head coach Ben Johnson has consistently maintained that Bagent ranks among the top backup quarterbacks in the entire league, echoing praise for the 26-year-old’s exceptional grasp of the playbook.
“He’s a guy that we’ve never felt like you have to worry about his mindset. I mean, he is one of the most locked in people I’ve ever been around. So, whatever his role looks like, whatever the future for him looks like, you don’t worry about any sort of mental lapse with him or any of those guys, honestly, and it’s been great to see from that standpoint in that room.”
Press Taylor, Chicago Bears offensive coordinator, via Chicago Bears
Bagent has never made a start under Johnson, who arrived last year, having last started a game during his debut campaign when he compiled a 2-2 record filling in for Justin Fields.
Chicago Prepares for New York
ABC7 Chicago reported that coach Ben Johnson is evaluating options at left tackle. The quarterback rotation is not the only puzzle facing the coaching staff ahead of Sunday.
With the Bears sitting at 2-1 and facing a Jets defense that recently dropped a 31-24 contest to the Detroit Lions, Bagent steps into an offense designed to maximize quick releases and minimize mistakes. Sunday afternoon belongs to Bagent’s opportunity to pilot the offense, while whether Caleb Williams can return for the subsequent divisional road trip against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 18 remains the primary long-term storyline.
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