CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent knows well that nothing is guaranteed in life or the NFL.
That's why Bagent savored leading the Bears to a 16-13 victory over the Panthers on Thursday night at Soldier Field, as it may have marked his last start of the season with starter Justin Fields likely to return from a thumb injury when Chicago visits Detroit on Nov. 19.
“Really, I appreciate the team,” Bagent said. “Staff and players included, they all rallied behind me. I never had a doubt for a second that they all had my back."
In his fourth NFL start, Bagent was 20-of-33 for 162 yards and played a turnover-free game. As his story of being an undrafted rookie signed out of Division-II Shepherd University was told for a primetime broadcast, Bagent managed the game well as the Bears improved to 3-7.
Bagent outplayed Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears frustrated the rookie Young, who went 21-of-38 for 185 yards. Chicago’s defense sacked him three times and pressured him constantly.
The Bears turned to Bagent during an Oct. 15 game against the Vikings after Fields suffered a dislocated right thumb. Though he has practiced in a limited fashion over the last week, Fields hasn't been medically cleared to return.
Coach Matt Eberflus indicated that the Bears will re-evaluate Fields following their weekend away from Halas Hall. Barring a setback, he'll likely be back into the starting role, as Fields was already close to returning Thursday.
Though Bagent and the Bears’ offense struggled at times Thursday, playing a clean, turnover-free game was crucial. Bagent had turned the ball over four times in Chicago's 24-17 loss at New Orleans on Sunday.
“He didn’t put the ball in harm’s way and gave us a chance to win,” Eberflus said.
Bagent will return to the Bears’ backup quarterback role once Fields is cleared to step back in as the starter. Bagent was elevated to that position in late September, with veteran Nathan Peterman working as the third quarterback on the roster.
Bagent earned the Bears’ trust to this point. That was clear with the game on the line Thursday. With the Bears facing a third-and-7 with 1:26 remaining and the Panthers needing a stop to force a punt, Bagent dropped back to pass and connected with receiver Darnell Mooney for a first down to seal the win.
One play later, Bagent took a knee in victory formation.
“I learned that it's really hard to win in the NFL,” Bagent said. “Appreciate all the wins.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.