LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) \u2014 Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent returned to practice on Saturday after clearing the NFL concussion protocol and could be available to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night at Soldier Field.<\/p>\n
Whether he\u2019s actually deemed the starter over third-stringer Case Keenum was left open by Bears coach Ben Johnson. Starter Caleb Williams remained out of practice on Saturday and has not participated all week after injuring his hamstring on Sunday against Minnesota.<\/p>\n
Bagent would be operating with only a day of practice but has been at Halas Hall most of the week and in team meetings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to get him healthy, first and foremost,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThat was his No. 1 priority and then, you know, since it\u2019s progressed along he was able to be in meetings yesterday and now he can practice today.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s right on track to where he needs to be. I think mentally he\u2019s going to be in a good spot to what we\u2019re asking him to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
What that is isn\u2019t entirely clear. Johnson said it\u2019s possible Bagent could be the backup against the Eagles. It\u2019s also possible Bagent could start since he has cleared protocol and has been at the practice facility for team meetings since Thursday.<\/p>\n
Bagent was injured on a hit after passing when he relieved Williams in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the game and then was put in the NFL concussion protocol.<\/p>\n
Neither Bagent nor Keenum have started an NFL game since 2023.<\/p>\n
Johnson said the Bears do benefit in a way if it\u2019s Bagent starting over Keenum.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a different skill set, obviously,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cYou know, one guy is a little bit more mobile than the other and yet both are very cerebral players. I know they\u2019ll be mentally prepared for the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll see what it looks like but there\u2019s a reason why Tyson was the backup (to Williams) as we ended camp and we felt good about who he is as a player and what he can bring to the table to this offense. It would be exciting to get him out there, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (hamstring) and kicker Cairo Santos (hip) practiced, and Johnson said they could play Monday. Johnson said tackle Ozzy Trapillo will not play in the game as he continues to come back from a patellar tendon injury.<\/p>\n
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