The Bears’ starting quarterback for Monday’s game against Philadelphia remains unsettled after Tyson Bagent progressed enough in concussion protocol to return to practice Saturday, keeping him in contention alongside Case Keenum.
Coach Ben Johnson initially said Bagent had cleared the protocol, but the team clarified that he had completed the steps required to practice. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bagent had not officially cleared the protocol and had not been ruled out against the Eagles.
Caleb Williams continues recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered against Minnesota. He and Bagent both missed Friday’s practice, leaving Keenum to take the first-team work while Chicago prepared for Philadelphia.
Bagent’s progress changes the situation Chicago faced earlier in the week, when neither of its first two quarterbacks was practicing. It does not establish who will start Monday, with Johnson declining to commit to a quarterback Saturday.
Keenum remains an option if Chicago needs him. The 38-year-old has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game since 2023, when he played for Houston, and has made only four starts during the 2020s.
Coach Ben Johnson said the team would not add another quarterback and could use practice-squad passer Miller Moss behind Keenum if necessary, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The staff has also considered which players at other positions could handle an emergency quarterback role.
Keenum’s lack of recent game action has not prevented him from working with Chicago’s receivers. The Bears mixed receiving groups between quarterbacks during the offseason and portions of training camp, giving the pass catchers experience with his delivery.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor emphasized patience against Vic Fangio’s Philadelphia defense, which aims to prevent explosive plays and force opponents to complete sustained drives. Keenum would face that unit after Chicago scored only three points in its Week 2 loss to Minnesota.
Running back Kyle Monangai returned to full practice Friday after missing earlier work with a knee injury. Kicker Cairo Santos remained out with a right hip problem, adding another unresolved availability question ahead of the Monday game.
Bagent completed five of nine passes for 54 yards after replacing Williams in the 9–3 loss to Minnesota. Chicago faces Philadelphia at Soldier Field on Monday, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with AP: quarterback preparations and practice update.
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