Bears’ Tyson Bagent returns to practice after exiting concussion protocol

The Chicago Bears could have several options at quarterback for Monday’s game against the Eagles: backup Tyson Bagent was cleared to practice Saturday, head coach Ben Johnson said. Johnson also confirmed that Caleb Williams, who injured his hamstring tendon in the Week 2 loss, will not practice Saturday.

As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter report, Johnson described Bagent as out of the concussion protocol, though in practice he was passable at the next step of the process that allowed him to practice. Schefter added that final clearance will come only if, after practice, he goes several consecutive days without symptoms. Bagent had entered the protocol on Tuesday.

Johnson did not name a starter, saying he had not yet decided on the status of his surprises, while third-string Case Keenum has taken starter snaps during several practice sessions when Williams and Bagent were off the field.

If he gets the start, it would be Bagent’s first since the 2023 season: that year he went 2–2 and threw for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions in five appearances. He also came in against the Vikings recently, going 5-of-9 for 54 yards over two fourth-quarter possessions. For Keenum it would also be a first start since 2023, when he went 1–1 and passed for 291 yards, one TD and three interceptions in his two starts.

The Bears enter the matchup with the league’s best rushing attack, while the Eagles rank fifth against the pass after two weeks and 23rd against the run. Chicago is expected to try to exploit its ground game with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, while through the air they will rely on Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, plus short options from Swift and Monangai. The game is played Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET, and, according to NFL Network, decisions on the starter will be confirmed in the coming days.