Bears Expected to Start QB Tyson Bagent vs. Jets

Tyson Bagent took the majority of first-team reps this week and is expected to start against the Jets while Caleb Williams recovers from injury.

Tyson Bagent is expected to start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears against the New York Jets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The decision comes as rookie Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, an injury expected to keep him out for three to four weeks. Bagent earned the nod after taking the majority of first-team repetitions during practice this week, while Case Keenum is set to serve as the primary backup.

This appearance marks Bagent’s first start since a 16-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers in 2023, a gap of 1,059 days from this Sunday. During his rookie campaign, he started four games while Justin Fields was sidelined with a thumb injury, leading the team to a 2-2 record in that span. Bagent recently cleared concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury during a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 20, which prevented him from starting in Week 3.

Coach Ben Johnson noted that while the staff considered the "hot hand" with Keenum, Bagent was designated as the backup at the end of training camp for a specific reason. The Bears enter the matchup seeking their third win of the season. Williams has now been ruled out for two consecutive games following his departure from the Vikings contest.