Bears Stick With Tyson Bagent at Quarterback; Caleb Williams Out Three to Four Weeks
Update: Williams was listed as a full participant Wednesday and is on track to return Sunday at Atlanta after missing three games, though the Bears have not formally named him the starter.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is week-to-week with a right hamstring injury and will probably miss games, coach Ben Johnson said Monday. "It sounds like it's week to week but will likely miss some time," Johnson said after Williams had an MRI that morning.
How did it happen?
Midway through the fourth quarter of Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Vikings, Williams scrambled toward the goal line, went down short of it and clutched the back of his right leg. Tyson Bagent finished the game. Williams walked through the locker room on his own afterward. Asked whether the Bears had dodged a bullet on the severity, Johnson said, "Potentially."
What's next for Chicago?
The Bears are 1-1 after scoring 59 points in the opener and three on Sunday, and they host Philadelphia on Monday night in Week 3, which gives Williams an extra day. Bagent would make the start if Williams can't go. Johnson said he expected to know more after meeting with the medical staff, and the team has not said whether injured reserve is under consideration.
Who is the quarterback now?
Possibly Case Keenum. Bagent reported concussion symptoms Tuesday after a fourth-quarter tackle by Van Ginkel and entered the five-step protocol, which leaves Keenum next in line with undrafted rookie Miller Moss taking backup reps from the practice squad. Williams is doing walk-throughs and meetings but not practicing, and Ben Johnson has not ruled him out. "One of those things that everyone outside the building I am sure is writing us off and telling us it can't be done and we really relish that," Johnson said. Of Keenum: "His mind is going so fast it helps catch him up. He's playing as good of football as he probably has his entire career." Chicago does not plan to sign another quarterback.
How did Keenum do?
He went 24 of 34 for 247 yards with two touchdown passes and a 1-yard touchdown run, and completed all 11 of his throws against the blitz for 145 yards and both scores. Receiver Kalif Raymond said Keenum told the huddle before the game: "I may not be a cowboy, but this is definitely not my first rodeo." The defense forced three turnovers. Chicago is 2-1 and hosts the Jets on Sunday, and the team has not said when Williams or Bagent will be back.
Who starts in Week 5?
Bagent, who cleared the concussion protocol and went 25 of 34 for 268 yards with an interception in the 23-12 win over the Jets. "Our guys played with a lot of confidence because of how he conducted himself," Ben Johnson said, while noting the offense has to protect the ball better and is 4 of 13 in the red zone since Week 2. Williams' hamstring strain is expected to sideline him three to four weeks from the Sept. 20 injury. Chicago has now won games started by Williams, Keenum and Bagent.
Is he back for Week 6?
Probably. Ben Johnson disclosed that Williams was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's report, which was based on a walk-through, and NFL Network reported that all signs point to his return. The team has not confirmed a starter. Chicago plays again on Thursday in Week 7, which complicates the decision.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Bears' Johnson: QB Williams week-to-week, likely to miss time
- ESPN: Week 2 impact on the NFC: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels hurt
- ESPN: Veteran Case Keenum practices Wednesday, ready to start if called
- ESPN: QB3 Case Keenum, Bears defense shock Eagles in MNF rout
- ESPN: Ben Johnson: Tyson Bagent will start at QB for Bears vs. Packers
- Yahoo Sports: Bears vs. Falcons Injury Report: Caleb Williams Full Participant
Chicago Bears betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
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