Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson named Tyson Bagent his starting quarterback for Sunday’s NFC North matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Bagent takes over after guiding the team to a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets while Caleb Williams continues recovering from a hamstring injury.
Bagent Takes Helm for Lambeau Field Clash
The Chicago Bears confirmed that Tyson Bagent will take the snaps under center against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Ben Johnson offered immediate clarity on his starter after pre-game secrecy regarding the quarterback position. Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring injury sustained during a Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Medical projections initially estimated Williams would miss three to four weeks.
Bagent earned the nod following a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Playing in his first start since the 2023 season—a span of 1,059 days—the quarterback completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards and threw one interception. He also handled the offense as the team put up 34 first downs and controlled the clock for 42 minutes and 45 seconds across 89 total plays.
Coach Orchestrates Unusual Opening Play
Prior to kickoff against the Jets, Ben Johnson orchestrated a unique sequence on the game’s opening play. Both Bagent and veteran Case Keenum trotted onto the field together. Keenum lined up in the shotgun while Bagent split out wide, and Keenum pitched the ball to running back D’Andre Swift. That single snap credited Keenum with the start in the official game book, though he did not take another snap all afternoon.
Johnson admitted his alignment choice stemmed from media reports that leaked Bagent’s expected promotion ahead of time. Well, I got all these memos saying that Tyson was starting before I ever made an announcement, so I wanted to get Case out there
Johnson told reporters after the game, describing the gesture as his ceremonial first pitch out there. Handing off the torch.
The gamesmanship followed Keenum’s performance a week prior, when the 38-year-old veteran stepped in during a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Keenum threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns in that contest, prompting discussion regarding whether the hot hand might threaten Bagent’s standing as the primary backup behind Williams.
Despite external chatter about a quarterback controversy, Bagent shared that Keenum offered him support before the Jets game. Bagent praised his teammate’s leadership, calling him a top-tier teammate.
Ground Game Powers Chicago Offense
No matter who directs the offense under Johnson, the Bears continue to lean on a ground game. Running back Kyle Monangai powered through the Jets defense for two red-zone touchdowns, anchoring an offensive strategy that has carried Chicago to a 3-1 record through four weeks.
Receiving targets also stepped up during Bagent’s return. Tight end Colston Loveland added receptions for the offense as they diversified their playmakers downfield.
Bagent shouldered the blame for his second-quarter interception, noting that he needed to be cleaner with his delivery on crossing routes. Yeah, 100% my fault on that, and have to be better going forward,
Bagent said during his postgame press conference.
Bagent Prepares for Packers Rivalry
The Bears face another hurdle heading into Week 5 beyond their quarterback rotation. Left tackle Braxton Jones was placed on injured reserve due to a right knee injury sustained against Philadelphia, leaving Theo Benedet to handle starting duties on the blind side.
Bagent expressed excitement about stepping into one of the league’s most storied matchups on the road. It is very cool to be able to play in the greatest rivalry in sports,
Bagent said. We’ve got to go in there, away, loud environment and we’ve got to be crispy with communication in and out of the huddle.