Ben Johnson Sets Week 4 Quarterback Direction for Bears Following Keenum Win

Coach Ben Johnson has decided on a quarterback for Sunday's game against the New York Jets but declined to publicly name a starter.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson announced on Wednesday that he has determined the team's quarterback direction for the Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets. While the decision is made, Johnson stated he will not publicly declare a starter until Sunday. The choice follows a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, where third-string veteran Case Keenum threw for 247 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.

Keenum started Monday's contest, his first in 1,009 days, because Caleb Williams is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Williams, who will not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough, is expected to miss three to four weeks according to reporting from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. Despite the injury, the Bears did not place Williams on injured reserve, suggesting a potential return within four games.

Tyson Bagent remains the other option for the Week 4 start after clearing concussion protocol this past Sunday. Bagent, who finished training camp as the No. 2 quarterback, was active against the Eagles but did not play. Johnson noted that the coaching staff will evaluate whether to stick with Keenum’s "hot hand" or pivot to Bagent during practices on Thursday and Friday. The Bears face a Jets defense currently ranked No. 2 in the NFL for yards allowed.