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Ben Johnson leaves Bears’ Week 4 quarterback choice open after Keenum’s win
Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol, Caleb Williams is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Johnson has yet to name a starter against the Jets.
7 sources / Updated September 29, 2026
Ben Johnson left Chicago's next starting quarterback unnamed Tuesday, even after Case Keenum delivered a 27-7 win over Philadelphia. In an ESPN 1000 interview, the Bears coach said, "We'll see how it plays out all week," according to Chicago Tribune reporter Sean Hammond. The decision now concerns Sunday's Jets game, with Tyson Bagent out of concussion protocol and Caleb Williams recovering from his hamstring injury.
Johnson's brief response offered no commitment to Keenum, Bagent or Williams.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that team broadcaster Jeff Joniak did not directly ask Johnson to name Sunday's starter. He remarked that Johnson would face the question repeatedly in the coming days. Johnson's answer leaves the choice open; it does not establish that Chicago has made or changed its depth-chart decision. Johnson is scheduled to address the wider media group Wednesday.
Bagent's availability gives the staff a choice it did not have throughout last week's preparation. The Bears' official Monday preview said he cleared concussion protocol Sunday after being injured against Minnesota. Johnson had previously pointed to the reason Bagent finished training camp as the No. 2 quarterback. Keenum nevertheless started against the Eagles and completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a rushing score.
Williams' hamstring is a separate medical question. Chicago ruled him out of the Philadelphia game after he missed the practice week. Tuesday's comments did not announce clearance for the Jets, and the coming practice reports will be the next public evidence of his progress.
For Chicago, the immediate issue is how to prepare the offense on a short turnaround. Keenum has a successful start behind him, Bagent is available again, and Williams is recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out Monday. None of those facts names Sunday's quarterback. Wednesday's availability should provide the next chance for Johnson to explain the plan.