Bears’ Ben Johnson brushes off any Tyson Bagent starting concern

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ status is murky at best coming out of the team’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He went down with a non-contact emergency and had to be carted off from the field.

The Bears still aren’t certainly exactly how much time Williams will miss. Once the quarterback undergoes more tests, they’ll be able to more accurately construct a timeline.

In his absence, Tyson Bagent will be under center. Filling in for Williams against the Vikings, he completed 5-of-9 passes for 54 yards. Bagent led the Bears deep into Vikings territory on their final drive, but Chicago couldn’t find the end zone.

Even with Johnson calling the plays, the Bears look much different with Bagent under center compared to Williams. But the head coach is prepared for that scenario.

Bears’ Ben Johnson prepared to play with Tyson Bagent

Since Williams’ arrival, Bagent hasn’t started a game for the Bears. Most of his action has come in the preseason. But for Johnson, he has had more than enough time to evaluate his backup quarterback, via the head coach’s postgame interview.

“I called plays for him all preseason,” Johnson said. “We’ll be fine.”

During the 2026 preseason, Bagent completed 29-of-39 passes for 377 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. While preseason play must be taken with a grain of salt, the quarterback has at the very least an understanding of Johnson’s offense. Nearly leading the Bears to a win with less than a minute left shows he stays ready for when his name is called.

Chicago’s top priority is figuring out the injury status of Williams. But they still have their sights on making the playoffs this season. That pressure will now fall onto Bagent’s shoulders for at least as long as their starter is out. But Johnson thinks he’s up for the challenge.

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