LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) – Bears head coach Ben Johnson is utilizing gamesmanship regarding the team’s starting quarterback decision.
Johnson on Wednesday declined to name a starter for the Bears’ game against the Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field. He indicated all three quarterbacks – Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum – are in consideration, though he later admitted that a decision has already been made.
“The direction has already been made, so we'll be in good shape for Sunday,” Johnson said.
Williams won’t participate in the Bears’ walkthrough Wednesday and isn’t expected to be ready to return from a hamstring injury this week. That means the decision i between Bagent and Keenum.
The Bears turned to Keenum in their 27-7 win over the Eagles on Monday. He threw for 247 yards and two scores while also rushing for a touchdown.
Keenum, 38, is the Bears’ third-string quarterback. He started against the Eagles after Bagent had missed most of last week while in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Johnson downplayed the notion of the quarterback decision being a difficult one.
“It’s not hard for me at all,” Johnson said. “I feel really good about all three quarterbacks in that room, and I know all three of them can win ballgames for us.”
Johnson was mum on the quarterback situation ahead of a matchup against a Jets team led by head coach Aaron Glenn, with whom Johnson served as a coordinator in Detroit.
The 26-year-old Bagent has played in 13 games for the Bears over four NFL seasons. He has completed 65.8% of his passes for 971 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions while making four starts in his tenure with Chicago.
In his postgame media session Monday, Johnson reiterated that Bagent remains the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart behind Williams.
Williams is expected to miss at least this next game while still recovering from a hamstring injury, which he suffered on Sept. 20. It’s possible he could prepare to return next week before Bears take on the Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11.
What is clear for Johnson is how well Keenum played in the Bears’ victory over the Eagles. Keenum received the full slate of starting reps in the week of practice before leading Chicago to victory.
“He played really decisive football the other night, and it was much needed too,” Johnson said. “That (Eagles defense) can get after the quarterback. They have a really talented front. He got pressured a few times, and he was able to get rid of the ball. And he trusted that his guys were going to be where they're supposed to be. So, he had a great grasp of the game plan, and I think once again that week of preparation really played into his confidence going into that game.”
The Bears (2-1) host the Jets (1-2) on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
