Tyson Bagent will get the Week 4 start for the Chicago Bears against the New York Jets after Caleb Williams was ruled out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, a setback that alters the team's immediate quarterback plans.
Why Bagent is stepping into the starter's role
Caleb Williams has been ruled out as he recovers from a Grade 2 hamstring strain, and his recovery timeline is expected to be three to four weeks, according to Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter. That absence opened the door for Bagent to resume starting duties.
Bagent, who signed a two-year extension with the Bears in August 2025, missed much of last week’s practice as he moved through concussion protocol after being injured late in a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He did not clear protocol until the Sunday before Week 3 and practiced only once leading into the Philadelphia Eagles game, which is why he did not start that matchup.
Coach Ben Johnson reiterated that Bagent had been named the backup at the end of training camp “for a reason,” and the staff’s evaluation of the quarterback room — including the hot-hand discussion — factored into midweek preparation. Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicate Case Keenum will serve as Bagent’s backup for the Jets game.
Bagent’s experience and what he brings to the offense
Bagent is no stranger to stepping into regular-season starts. As a rookie in 2023 he made four consecutive starts while Justin Fields dealt with a thumb injury, guiding the team to a 2-2 record over that stretch. His first of those wins featured a 72.4% completion rate, one touchdown and no interceptions in a 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Across that four-game stint in 2023, Bagent proved accurate yet turnover-prone. His most recent prior start came in a 16-13 win over the Carolina Panthers — 1,059 days before the upcoming game.
The immediate picture is straightforward: with Caleb Williams sidelined by a Grade 2 hamstring strain, Tyson Bagent will take the reins for Week 4. How the offense responds under Bagent, and how long Williams is out within the projected three- to four-week window, will determine whether this is a short-term adjustment or a longer stretch with Bagent running the offense.
