Overview
- Caleb Williams was ruled out for Sunday’s game with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that doctors view as a three- to four-week issue, forcing the Bears to turn to a backup quarterback.
- Head coach Ben Johnson declined to officially name a starter and said the staff has a direction, but he also acknowledged coaches are split on whether to ride the recent hot hand or follow the depth chart.
- Multiple national insiders reported that Tyson Bagent took the majority of first-team practice reps this week and is expected to start against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on Sunday.
- Bagent cleared concussion protocol earlier in the week and has limited NFL starting experience, while Case Keenum’s 247-yard, three-touchdown outing in Week 3 complicates the choice by offering a proven short-term alternative.
- The move signals the Bears are reverting to their offseason backup plan and could keep Williams out for several games, affecting Chicago’s game plans and the quarterback pecking order until Williams is cleared to return.