Chicago – The Chicago Bears entered Week 4 with a lingering question at the most important position on the field. Starting quarterback Caleb Williams was ruled out for the second consecutive week due to a hamstring injury, forcing head coach Ben Johnson to keep his final decision under wraps until game day.
Williams out, two veterans ready
Williams’ absence was confirmed on Friday, leaving veteran Case Keenum and rookie Tyson Bagent as the only candidates to lead the offense against the New York Jets on Sunday. Johnson told reporters, “We’ll find out on Sunday. I know both of them are well prepared to play and win a game for us.”
Keenum, who stepped in as the starter on Monday and guided Chicago to a 27‑7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, moved up from third on the depth chart to earn his first win of the season. Bagent, who missed most of the previous week while in concussion protocol, has been praised by Johnson as “one of the best 32 quarterbacks in the NFL.”
Bagent’s confidence and humility
When asked about the competition, Bagent emphasized his team‑first attitude. “There’s a couple ways to think about it. Obviously, I would like everything that the football world can offer me. But then there’s also the part that I am from Shepherd University, so I have absolutely zero ego in this and nobody is a bigger cheerleader and a fan of Case Keemun than I am,” Bagent said. “I think he is the epitome of what I believe a quarterback is and is supposed to be. So it was fun to watch him play.”
Johnson has increased Bagent’s practice repetitions after limiting his role ahead of Monday’s game, signaling that the rookie is being groomed for a larger role should the need arise.
Jets prepare for any Bears quarterback
Across the league, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who once served as the Bears’ defensive coordinator in Detroit, said his team is ready for whatever quarterback the Bears put under center. “We’re prepared for all of that, and we’ll be prepared to play football,” Glenn said when asked which signal‑caller he expects to see in the huddle on Sunday.
The Jets, looking to improve on a shaky start to the season, will need to stay disciplined regardless of the Bears’ quarterback choice. Both teams know that a strong offensive showing could swing the early‑season momentum in their favor.
What’s at stake
Chicago’s quarterback situation has been a focal point for fans and analysts alike. With the season still in its infancy, the Bears are eager to establish a clear leader under center. Keenum’s solid performance against Philadelphia gave the team a glimpse of stability, while Bagent’s poise and work ethic have earned him respect in the locker room.
Regardless of who starts, the Bears’ coaching staff has indicated that the game plan is set and the team is ready to execute. The decision will likely hinge on Williams’ health status on Sunday morning and the coaches’ assessment of each veteran’s readiness.
Fans can expect a hard‑fought contest at Soldier Field, with the Bears hoping to build on their recent win and the Jets aiming to bounce back from early‑season struggles. The quarterback battle adds an extra layer of intrigue to a matchup that could shape the early narrative of the 2026 NFL season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
