The Chicago Bears’ quarterback situation took another twist Sunday.
Although Caleb Williams’ primary backup, Tyson Bagent, cleared concussion protocol, he won’t start Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
While Bagent was able to return to practice Saturday after suffering a concussion during last Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears and head coach Ben Johnson are reportedly going with third-stringer Case Keenum.
Bagent replaced Williams last week after Williams suffered a right hamstring injury that left him week-to-week.
Williams is out for Monday’s game, and is expected to be out for 3-to-4 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, ESPN reported Sunday.
Bagent went 5-for-9 in relief of Williams and was sacked on the final play of the game.
According to Glazer, the team decided Bagent didn’t have enough time to get ready for the Eagles defense, so they opted for Keenum.
If Keenum doesn’t play well Monday, though, Bagent will be available off the bench.
The Bears were forced to turn to Bagent after Williams was forced out of the Minnesota game.
Williams is set to miss his first game since he was drafted first overall by the Bears in 2024.
He led Chicago to 59 points in an opening-week win over the Carolina Panthers, but the offense was stymied by the Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores a week ago.
Bagent was listed as questionable on Saturday’s injury report, which opened the door for Keenum, who has started 66 games over an 11-year career and last started on Christmas Eve 2023 while with the Houston Texans.
Bagent has started four games in the NFL, all as a rookie with the Bears in 2023.
Williams is one of several starting quarterbacks to have already suffered injuries that have kept them out for multiple weeks.
The Bears, who are 1-1 heading into Monday’s game, host the Jets on Oct. 4.
