Bears to Start Bagent Over Keenum in Week 4 Despite Monday Night Heroics

Key points

• Tyson Bagent is expected to start for the Bears against the New York Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
• Case Keenum led the Bears to a 27-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown.
• Bagent, who cleared concussion protocol before the Eagles game, has been taking the majority of first-team reps in practice this week.
• Caleb Williams remains out for a second straight week with a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for roughly a month.
• Bagent, a 26-year-old undrafted free agent from Division II Shepherd University, has not started an NFL game since his rookie year in 2023.

Background

The Bears' quarterback situation has been in flux since Week 2, when starter Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury. Backup Tyson Bagent then entered concussion protocol, forcing 38-year-old veteran Case Keenum to start in Week 3. Keenum's performance against the Eagles was notable as his first regular-season game in over 1,000 days. Bagent had previously signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Bears this offseason, signaling the team's long-term investment in him as the primary backup.

How outlets are covering it

theScore and NFL.com both report that Bagent is expected to start, citing NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and noting that Bagent took the majority of first-team reps. USA Today provides a more detailed analysis, arguing that Bagent's physical skills, including mobility and arm strength, better suit Ben Johnson's offensive system compared to Keenum. USA Today also notes that the Jets have more film to study on Keenum than the Eagles did, giving Bagent an advantage. All sources agree that Johnson has not officially named a starter, but the consensus is that Bagent is the likely choice. TheScore and NFL.com emphasize the practical aspect of practice reps, while USA Today focuses on the strategic and developmental reasons for choosing Bagent.

Why it matters

The decision to start Bagent over Keenum highlights the Bears' long-term investment in their quarterback depth. Bagent's potential as a future starter or trade asset is significant, especially given his contract extension. The choice also reflects the Bears' desire to develop a young quarterback who can contribute to the running game and operate effectively in Johnson's system, rather than relying on a veteran who may not be a long-term fit.

What to watch

The Bears will face the New York Jets on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. The outcome of the game will likely influence future quarterback decisions, especially if Bagent performs well. Caleb Williams' return is expected to be around a month from now, which could further impact the quarterback rotation.