The Chicago Bears have had an established hierarchy at quarterback since the beginning of 2024. Caleb Williams was the starter, and Tyson Bagent was the backup. That changed slightly in 2025 when Case Keenum was added as the third guy on the depth chart. It remained this way coming into 2026. So when Williams went down with a hamstring injury, everyone expected Bagent to step in. Then he suffered a concussion. Just like that, the Bears were down to Keenum for Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles.
To the shock of many, the 38-year-old turned back the clock, throwing for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns, and rushing for another in a 27-7 rout. It was a magical night for one of the best backups in NFL history. However, the euphoria of the victory has given way to a sudden, unexpected problem. Who do the Bears start this week against the New York Jets? Tyson Bagent cleared the concussion protocol last weekend, so he should practice without restrictions. When asked about the dilemma after the game, Johnson kept his answer short.
“We’ll have a discussion as a coaching staff and we’ll see where we need to go from here. But I said it last week, and I’ll say it again, there was a reason why Tyson ended training camp as our No. 2 quarterback.”
Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent is far from that simple.
Yes, Bagent is the #2 quarterback. He earned that spot and played pretty well against Minnesota despite having a concussion that went undiagnosed until after the game. He’s been preparing for this opportunity for years. Johnson and the coaches wouldn’t have put him in that spot if they didn’t think he could handle it. Unfortunately, this decision isn’t about what Bagent does or does not deserve. They must do what is best for the team. Many believe the Bears have to ride the hot hand that just led them to a big victory.
A scout from another team said as much to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
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“Absolutely not,” said a pro scout for another team late Monday when asked if he thinks the Bears will roll Bagent out against the Jets. “Maybe the quarterback coach, maybe the GM (Ryan Poles) because he paid (Bagent) would want that. I don’t know. Ben has to stand up and say, ‘Anyone wanna go watch the tape with me?’ That’s how his offense is supposed to be run. There’s no chance they’re taking him out. Case Keenum kind of carved up the Eagles.”
It’s a fair assessment. Keenum has far more actual experience than Tyson Bagent. He’s started 66 games in his career, including twice in the playoffs. His understanding of Johnson’s offense was evident from the opening drive on Monday night. Why mess with something if it’s clearly working? There is nothing difficult about this decision. Keep Keenum in the lineup and let him play until he proves he no longer deserves it.
Matchup factors could play a part as well.
The Jets come to Soldier Field on Sunday. They present a different challenge than the Eagles. Their defense plays lots of man coverage. In situations like that, having a more mobile quarterback can be highly valuable. You saw it last year. The New York Giants ranked 4th in man coverage. Williams torched them for 63 yards on the ground, including the go-ahead touchdown. As good as Keenum can be as a passer, he is not a runner. Bagent is considerably more mobile, which could be a major benefit against those fast Jets rushers.
Either way, it is a safe bet that Johnson won’t let anyone know the decision until absolutely necessary. He sees no reason to give the Jets any information on who they should be preparing for. How far will he be willing to go with this deception? It stands to reason that whoever gets the practice reps with the starting offense will be the guy on Sunday. Would Johnson dare split those reps to keep people guessing? Unlikely.
