Case Keenum starts at quarterback for the Bears before Tyson Bagent takes over after 1 play

CHICAGO (AP) — Case Keenum started at quarterback for the Chicago Bears on Sunday but was replaced by Tyson Bagent after one play.

Chicago received the opening kickoff from the New York Jets. Bagent was split out wide on the first play, and Keenum pitched the ball to D'Andre Swift for a 2-yard gain. Bagent then took over behind center.

Bears coach Ben Johnson has been juggling his quarterbacks since Caleb Williams hurt his right hamstring in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 loss to Minnesota on Sept. 20. Keenum led the Bears to a 27-7 victory over Philadelphia on Monday night, passing for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

The 26-year-old Bagent replaced Williams against the Vikings and went 5 for 9 for 54 yards. He was in line to start against the Eagles but spent much of that week in the NFL's concussion protocol. He was cleared in time to serve as Keenum's backup.

Bagent had a record-setting career at Division II Shepherd University before signing with Chicago in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He made four starts while appearing in five games as rookie, passing for 859 yards and three touchdowns with six interceptions.

Bagent signed a two-year contract extension in August 2025.

Theo Benedet started at left tackle against New York, a day after Braxton Jones was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.

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