Tyson Bagent To Start For Bears In Week 5 Rivalry Game Vs. Packers

The Chicago Bears have won three games so far during the 2026 NFL season, all with a different quarterback leading the charge. With starter Caleb Williams still sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Bears coach Ben Johnson had a tough decision to make ahead of the team's massive rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5: Should he start Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent?

Unlike last week, Johnson didn't leave Bears fans in suspense, announcing Bagent would start against the Packers in Week 5.

Johnson wasn't so forthcoming heading into Week 4. Following Williams' injury in Week 2, Johnson was forced to turn to Keenum — the team's third-string quarterback — in a Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles due to Bagent overcoming a concussion.

Bagent was able to return to practice, however, opening the door for him to return in Week 4. But after Keenum performed well in Week 3, there were questions over who the Bears would go with against the New York Jets in Week 4.

Johnson refused to outright answer the question, and even trolled those asking once the game started. After news leaked Saturday suggesting Bagent would start, Johnson put both Keenum and Bagent on the field for the game's first play. Both players technically received a start, though Keenum was the one lined up in shotgun. The Bears ran on the play, so Keenum did not accumulate any passing attempts.

From there, Bagent received every snap. He performed admirably, completing 25 of 34 pass attempts for 268 yards and an interception in the team's 23-13 win.

It was a solid game, though not as impressive as Keenum's Week 3 start from a statistical standpoint.

Additionally, Bagent had a few turnover-worthy plays that were called back by penalty. The backup had three interceptions negated by penalty. One of those was a free play where Bagent just threw it up to his receiver. The other two were overturned after the fact, with Bagent potentially unaware that would be the case when he released the ball.

Bagent, however, also had a few moments where he showed a stronger arm and higher upside than Keenum. A downfield strike to Rome Odunze in the middle of the field was not a throw the team asked Keenum to make in Week 3.

Due to the stat disparity — and the fact that it's Chicago — Johnson's decision to go with Bagent over Keenum could wind up being contentious locally. Bears fans, unsurprisingly, have a lot of thoughts when it comes to backup quarterbacks. They've had plenty of experience in that arena before.

Unfortunately for Bagent, Johnson and Keenum, all of that escalates when the Bears play the Packers. If Bagent goes out there and leads the team to yet another win, it will be another feather in Johnson's cap.

If not, it could be one of the few times since taking over that Johnson receives criticism from Bears fans.