Chicago Bears Get Surprising QB Update That They Desperately Needed Ahead Of MNF vs. Eagles
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Tyson Bagent took a major step forward on Saturday. The Chicago Bears backup quarterback practiced after progressing in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The development keeps him in the mix for Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Starter Caleb Williams remains out with a hamstring injury. That leaves the Bears deciding between Bagent and veteran Case Keenum for the primetime matchup at Soldier Field.
Bagent Returns to Practice
Adam Schefter first reported that Bagent had cleared concussion protocol and was practicing.
Courtney Cronin reported that he had advanced far enough in the process to participate fully on Saturday. However, he still needs to remain symptom-free and receive final medical clearance from team doctors and an independent neurologist before he can play.
Bagent entered the protocol earlier in the week after relieving Williams in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards in limited action before the injury. The hit that led to the concussion came late in the contest, and symptoms were reported a couple of days later.
Coach Ben Johnson confirmed Bagent’s presence at practice and said the priority remains his health. The quarterback had already rejoined team meetings on Friday, which allowed him to stay current with the game plan while limited physically.
Quarterback Decision Looms for Monday Night
Johnson said the team will evaluate Bagent’s progress over the next day or two. Keenum handled first-team reps earlier in the week while both Williams and Bagent were sidelined. The 38-year-old has extensive starting experience but has not played in a regular-season game since 2023.
Bagent offers a different skill set and more recent game experience than Keenum. Johnson noted the decision will consider both health and performance in practice.
“There’s a different skill set, obviously,” Johnson said. “One guy’s a little bit more mobile than the other, and yet both are very cerebral players. I know they’ll be mentally prepared for the game, and we’ll see what it looks like. But 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.”
The Bears host the Eagles in a Week 3 contest that has already drawn attention because of Chicago’s unsettled quarterback situation. Williams’ hamstring injury has forced the team into contingency planning sooner than expected.
Bagent’s return to the practice field gives the staff a clearer picture heading into the final days of preparation. Whether he starts or serves as the primary backup, his availability represents an important development for a Bears team looking to stabilize its offense on national television.
