Bears Quarterback Decision
Bears Weighing Quarterback Options As Caleb Williams Is Expected Out
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Key Points
1
Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes against Philadelphia, and Chicago recorded 24 first downs while holding the ball for nearly 37 minutes.
2
The Eagles game was Keenum’s first regular-season appearance since starting for Houston in a loss to Cleveland on Dec. 24, 2023.
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Cornerback Kyler Gordon returned to practice as a full participant while working back from a calf injury, but he could not be activated from the physically unable to perform list until Monday and had to miss at least the first four games.
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Running back D’Andre Swift missed Thursday’s practice because of a knee issue.
The Chicago Bears have not announced their starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, with Caleb Williams ruled out for another week due to a hamstring injury. The choice comes down to Case Keenum, who led the team to a dominant 27-7 win over Philadelphia with 247 passing yards and three total touchdowns, or Tyson Bagent, the No. 2 quarterback who recently cleared concussion protocol.
Coach Ben Johnson says he will pick whoever gives Chicago the best chance to win, weighing Keenum's impressive recent performance against the Eagles with Bagent's place higher on the depth chart. Both quarterbacks have told the team they are ready to play and support each other, but Johnson has kept his final decision private according to Yahoo Sports.
Keenum's Strong Philadelphia Performance Makes Case Compelling
Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes against the Eagles, with Chicago dominating field position. The Bears recorded 24 first downs and held the ball for nearly 37 minutes, controlling the game from start to finish according to CBS Sports. This was Keenum's first regular-season start since December 2023, when he led Houston against Cleveland.
The veteran's three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing — showed he can execute Johnson's offense effectively. Keenum has proven he can step in and lead a winning team when called upon, giving the Bears stability at a critical position.
Bagent Cleared Medically but Lacks Keenum's Game Film
Bagent has officially cleared concussion protocol and holds the official No. 2 spot on Chicago's depth chart per CBS Sports. His return to full health removes any medical questions about his availability for Week 4. However, he has not played in a game since being taken off the injured list, giving Johnson less recent film to evaluate.
The quarterback competition puts Johnson in a difficult spot: reward Bagent's higher roster position, or ride the momentum of Keenum's dominant performance. Both players support each other publicly, easing potential locker room tension according to the New York Times.
Injuries Mount Elsewhere on Chicago Roster
Running back D'Andre Swift missed Thursday's practice due to a knee issue, raising concerns about his status for Sunday. His availability could impact the Bears' offensive balance against the Jets' defense. Cornerback Kyler Gordon returned to practice as a full participant while recovering from a calf injury according to CBS Sports.
However, Gordon cannot be activated from the physically unable to perform list until Monday and must sit out at least four games. The Bears face multiple injury decisions before kickoff against New York.
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