Full Breakdown
Bears Face Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Monday Night Clash with the Eagles
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Chicago’s starting quarterback, Caleb Williams (right hamstring injury), was ruled out of the Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Backup Tyson Bagent cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol enough to practice on Saturday but remained listed as “questionable.” With both unavailable for full practice, head coach Ben Johnson has not confirmed a starter, leaving veteran third-string quarterback Case Keenum as the most likely option.
Background & Context
Williams suffered the hamstring injury late in the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Vikings in Week 2. Bagent entered that game, completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards, and was subsequently placed in concussion protocol, shifting the depth chart from Williams -> Bagent -> Keenum within a week.
Timeline
- September 24, 2026 – The Bears issued an injury report listing Williams as out and Bagent as “questionable.”
- Saturday before the game – Bagent participated in the final practice, satisfying the first symptom-free day required for clearance.
- September 26, 2026 – ESPN reporter Kevin Fishbain noted that the Bears had not yet announced the starter.
Data & Statistics
- Tyson Bagent: 13 career games (4 starts) since 2023; 65.8 % completion, 73.0 passer rating, 971 yards, 3 TDs, 6 INTs, 109 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs.
- Case Keenum: 66 regular-season starts, 15,175 yards, 79 TDs, 51 INTs; last start in 2023 with the Texans.
- Caleb Williams: First-overall pick in 2024, had not missed a start before this injury.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Johnson said the priority is getting Bagent “healthy first and foremost” and that the staff will “let this process play out,” deciding on the starter after evaluating readiness on game day. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor noted the value of Bagent’s mobility and Keenum’s experience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Still a lot of time between now and kickoff,” — Ben Johnson
- “There's a different skill set, obviously,” — Ben Johnson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Bagent’s status:
- Newsweek and NBC Chicago reported he cleared concussion protocol and was listed as “questionable,” implying he could start.
- Shawlocal and Atozsports indicated that, absent clearance, Keenum would start, but did not rule out a last-minute change.
Why It Matters
The Bears’ offense relies on Williams’ mobility. With him sidelined, the team must choose between Bagent’s athleticism and Keenum’s veteran poise, a decision that will shape the passing attack against an Eagles defense that remains schematically consistent but “loaded.” The outcome could influence Chicago’s early-season trajectory in the NFC North and the quarterback’s long-term standing with the franchise.