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Bears quarterback situation worsens with Tyson Bagent in concussion protocol
Caleb Williams is week to week with a hamstring injury, and Chicago may turn to Case Keenum against Philadelphia if Bagent cannot clear the protocol.
5 sources / Updated September 23, 2026
Chicago's quarterback plan for Monday night's Eagles game grew more uncertain Tuesday. Tyson Bagent entered the NFL's concussion protocol, NFL Network reported, one day after the Bears described starter Caleb Williams as week to week with a right hamstring injury. Veteran Case Keenum could be asked to start if neither younger quarterback is available.
Williams hurt his hamstring on a fourth-quarter scramble in Sunday's 9-3 loss to Minnesota. Bears coach Ben Johnson said Monday that he did not expect Williams to practice this week, though he did not rule out a return against Philadelphia. The team has not announced a starter for the Sept. 28 game at Soldier Field.
A second injury changes the backup plan
Bagent replaced Williams against the Vikings and completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards. His final snap ended in a sack. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Bagent is now in concussion protocol; the report did not establish when he might clear it. The extra day before Monday's game gives the Bears time to assess him, but clearance cannot be assumed.
That matters because Johnson had spoken confidently about Bagent as Williams' replacement in the team's Monday update. With both Williams' hamstring and Bagent's protocol status unresolved, Keenum has moved from a third option to a plausible starter. NFL.com notes that Keenum has not started or thrown a pass in a regular-season game since 2023. His experience is substantial, but the Bears would be asking him to lead an offense that scored only three points against Minnesota.
Chicago faces Philadelphia in prime time. The immediate question is who can take practice reps and clear the relevant medical checks before kickoff. The team's next official injury report should narrow the possibilities; until then, Keenum's potential start remains a contingency, not a confirmed lineup decision.