Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent is anticipated to start Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, following a week in which he took the majority of first-team repetitions at practice. The Bears (2-1) will host the Jets (1-2) in what could mark a significant opportunity for Bagent, who has been competing for playing time behind Case Keenum.

Keenum led Chicago to a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, passing for 247 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground. Despite Keenum’s strong performance, Bagent had spent much of the previous week in concussion protocol after sustaining an injury late in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 20.

Bagent’s path to a potential start was shaped by injuries earlier in the season. He initially entered the Vikings game as a replacement for Caleb Williams, who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game, leaving the Bears in need of a veteran presence at quarterback.

During training camp, Bagent earned the No. 2 quarterback spot but maintained a supportive stance regarding Keenum’s role, emphasizing his admiration for the veteran signal-caller. "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 Keenum than I am," Bagent said earlier this week. He praised Keenum as "the epitome of what I believe a quarterback is and is supposed to be," calling it "fun to watch him play."

Despite speculation regarding the starting quarterback position, Bears head coach Ben Johnson declined to confirm his decision in a Friday press conference. "We’ll find out on Sunday," Johnson said. "I know both of them are well prepared to play and win a game for us."

Bagent, 26, last started an NFL game during the 2023 season, filling in for former Bears quarterback Justin Fields and posting a 2-2 record in those starts. Over 13 career games, Bagent has completed 65.8% of his passes for 971 yards, with three touchdowns and six interceptions. The upcoming matchup will provide further clarity on Chicago’s quarterback direction as they face a Jets team seeking to rebound after a 1-2 start.