Bears QB Tyson Bagent In Concussion Protocol

The Chicago Bears’ QB woes continue as their potential replacement, Tyson Bagent, suffered a concussion, according to reports.

Bagent was the backup to Caleb Williams and was expected to start if Williams couldn’t play. Now in line to start could be Case Keenum, who has not played since 2023.

Keenum, best known for his best season with the Minnesota Vikings, when he finished with a 98.3 QB rating and led them to a 13-3 season, has been a backup for most of his career. The Bears are now the ninth team he has played with.

Bagent came in relief of Williams after his injury against the Vikings on Sunday. The concussion seemed to come when he was sacked at the end of the game, but it is unconfirmed.

The situation could improve if Williams can play this week, though he may still be available despite the injury scare.

Head Coach Ben Johnson calls Williams week-to-week and did not express much optimism that he would be back this upcoming week. “(he will) likely miss time,” the coach said.

This quote came before the Bagent news, however, meaning playing down to the third string could contribute to a rushed comeback for Williams. It is early in the NFL season, so Johnson likely won’t make that call, but it’s still possible.

Bagent has been the Bears’ backup since 2023. He signed as an undrafted free agent and was a starter at a small liberal arts school called Shepherd University. He broke records across all NCAA Divisions while starting all five years he played at the school

The Bears will luckily have until Monday, an extra day, to give Williams rest if they were going to bring him back. This also gives Keenum an extra day to prepare if he gets the nod.

Bagent has not been officially ruled out by the team, but concussion protocol is usually not cleared in a week.