Philadelphia Eagles v Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears are expected to start Tyson Bagent, not Case Keenum against the New York Jets in Week 4 as Caleb Williams continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Keenum received the nod for Chicago in Week 3 and led the Bears to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Yet, Bagent initially won the backup quarterback competition and spent the week leading up to the Eagles-Bears game in concussion protocol. Fans could be seeing more of Bagent as Williams is still “a couple weeks away” from returning, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Let’s talk about these Chicago Bears and their quarterback situation,” Rapoport noted in an October 4, 2026, edition of “The Insiders.” “One of the most curious quarterback situations in the NFL over the last several weeks. Caleb Williams, their superstar starter we know, is out with a hamstring injury, grade two hamstring strain.
“My understanding, still a couple weeks away from being on the field (for) the Chicago Bears after Case Keenum’s unbelievable performance against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Bears news and rumors.
Will Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum Start for Bears vs. Jets?
The latest injury update projects Williams as likely out against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5. This also calls into question Williams’ status against the Atlanta Falcons in the Week 6 matchup on Sunday, October 18.
“They tried to keep this quiet, tried to keep it under wraps. My understanding is Tyson Bagent, though, is expected to start for the Chicago Bears, lightning in the bottom for Case Keenum,” Rapoport added. “… There is a reason that Tyson Bagent got that contract extension from Chicago.
“There is a reason, as Ben Johnson himself noted, that he won the No. 2 job out of camp. They believe he is one of the 32 best starters in the league, and expect him to show that on the field against the Jets later today.”
Bagent is on a two-year, $10 million contract that is slated to go through the 2027 season.
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Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams
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