Bears likely to start Tyson Bagent over Case Keenum against Jets
The Chicago Bears are expected to name rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent as the starter for Sunday’s game versus the New York Jets, according to NFL Network reports.
The Chicago Bears are expected to start quarterback Tyson Bagent in Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets at Soldier Field, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. Bagent would replace veteran Case Keunem, who led Chicago to a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Ben Johnson has not officially announced a starter, only confirming that first-round pick Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Rapoport said Bagent, who cleared concussion protocol before the Eagles game, has been receiving the majority of first-team practice repetitions.
"We'll find out on Sunday," Johnson told Bears.com’s Larry Mayer on Friday when asked about the starter.
Keenum entered the season as the third-string quarterback behind Williams and Bagent. Bagent took over after Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 and was slated to start last week before a concussion forced him to sit out. He later disclosed his symptoms, prompting Keunem’s start against Philadelphia.
"Your brain is far more important than being able to play in a game, no matter how high-stakes the game is," Bagent said, emphasizing the decision to prioritize health.
The 26-year-old, an undrafted free agent from Division II Shepherd University, threw for 54 yards in relief during the Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and made four starts in his rookie season in 2023.