Bagent Practices in Concussion Protocol, Bears Weigh QB Options for Eagles
The short version
- Tyson Bagent practiced Saturday but remains in the NFL concussion protocol.
- Coach Ben Johnson said Bagent could start or back up against Philadelphia; Case Keenum is the alternative.
- Starter Caleb Williams is week-to-week with a hamstring injury and will not practice.
- Bagent relieved Williams in Week 2, completing 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards in a 9-3 loss to Minnesota.
Tyson Bagent practiced Saturday while still in the NFL's concussion protocol, giving Chicago a possible starter against Philadelphia with Caleb Williams week-to-week.
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent took part in practice Saturday, though he has not yet cleared the league's concussion protocol, head coach Ben Johnson told reporters. Johnson said Bagent is now a candidate either to start or serve as the backup when the Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
"We're going to finish out the week, just like our plan to start the week, and then we'll make a decision," Johnson said. The coach indicated the choice at starter could come down to Bagent or Case Keenum, a 15-year veteran, with Bagent's status as the team's No. 2 quarterback a consideration in the deliberation.
Bagent returned to the team facility at Halas Hall on Friday and attended meetings but did not practice that day. His participation in a full-contact session Saturday represents a step in the NFL's five-stage return-to-play process. League rules require that a team physician and an independent neurological consultant each examine him and approve his exit from protocol before he can be cleared for game action.
The quarterback situation stems from an injury to starter Caleb Williams, who is listed as week-to-week with a hamstring issue and will not practice, according to Johnson. Williams was hurt in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings when he pulled up on a scramble and fell to the ground clutching his hamstring during what became a 9-3 loss.
Bagent entered that game in the fourth quarter and completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards, taking a sack on the final play. He also sustained a concussion at some point during the contest, though the Bears have not identified which hit caused it. Johnson noted the differences between his two available passers. "There's a different skill set, obviously," he said. "One guy's a little bit more mobile than the other, and yet both are very cerebral players."
The coach added that Bagent earned the backup job by the end of training camp. "There's a reason why Tyson was the backup as we ended camp, and we felt good about who he is as a player and what he can bring to the table to this offense," Johnson said. "We've got a lot of good choices. We'll come together as a staff and make sure we're on the same page."
Bagent, 26, has appeared in 13 games with four starts since 2023, completing 104 of 158 passes for 971 yards, a 65.8 percent completion rate. He has thrown three touchdowns against six interceptions, with all of those scoring throws and picks coming in his rookie season.
Keenum, 38, last started during the 2023 season, when he opened back-to-back games for the Houston Texans. Across 80 career appearances with 66 starts, he has thrown for 15,175 yards on a 52.3 percent completion rate, with 79 touchdowns and 51 interceptions.
The Eagles visit the Bears at Soldier Field on Monday, September 28, with kickoff at 8:15 PM EDT. The game airs on ESPN and ABC.
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