Bears name Bagent starting QB vs Jets — SkimNews
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- Tyson Bagent is expected to start at quarterback for the Bears in Week 4 against the Jets, taking the majority of first-team reps in practice while Caleb Williams recovers from injury
- Caleb Williams was ruled out for a second straight game due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, with a recovery timeline of three to four weeks confirmed by sources including Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter
- Case Keenum will serve as Bagent's backup, remaining in the No. 2 role despite coach Ben Johnson acknowledging a split among staff on who should start
- Ben Johnson stated that the coaching staff is divided on the quarterback decision, citing both 'playing the hot hand' and prior body of work as factors in the evaluation process
- Tyson Bagent last started a game 1,059 days ago in 2023, when he led the Bears to a 16-13 win over the Panthers during Justin Fields’ injury absence
- Tyson Bagent sustained a concussion in Week 2 against the Vikings, which delayed his return even after clearing protocol just before the Eagles game
Why it matters: Bagent’s start shifts immediate control of Chicago’s offense to a rookie-season stopgap amid Williams’ extended absence, creating evaluation pressure on both the young QB and coaching staff with no clear long-term signal. The internal split among coaches adds uncertainty to future decisions when Williams returns.
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