Bears HC Ben Johnson remains mum on Case Keenum-Tyson Bagent plans for Week 4 vs. Jets

Johnson clearly wants to keep the Jets on their toes by not naming the QB. He may do so again when he speaks with the media on Wednesday.

Keenum is the player of the moment, but don't be shocked if Bagent, who signed a two-year, $10M contract before the 2025 season, gets the starting nod. Like Keenum — who has thrown 81 TD passes and 51 interceptions in 12 seasons — he's a serviceable backup. 

Bagent, 26, went 2-2 in four starts while replacing an injured Justin Fields during the 2023 season, posting a slightly above-average 52.6 QBR in five games. After Williams suffered his hamstring injury near the midpoint of the fourth quarter of a 9-3 home loss to the Vikings, Bagent entered and went 5-of-9 for 54 yards. 

Bagent had less practice time than Keenum, a key reason Chicago sidelined him in Week 3. Johnson left the door open on who will start in Week 4 but expressed confidence in Bagent during his postgame news conference.

"We'll have a discussion as a coaching staff, and we'll see where we need to go from here, but I said it last week, and I'll say it again: There was a reason Tyson ended training camp as our No. 2 quarterback," Johnson said.

That said, the depth chart could change after Keenum's "MNF" performance. Chicago may want to see if he could keep heating up as Williams heals from his hamstring issue, which may take three to four weeks.

Johnson may continue delaying the decision throughout the week. The backup QB situation will remain fluid until he does.