Tyson Bagent's surprise return creates new Bears QB decision

Caleb Williams, meanwhile, has officially been ruled out with the hamstring injury he suffered against Minnesota. That leaves Chicago with two potential starters: Bagent or Keenum. And Johnson isn't announcing his choice yet.

Bagent isn't completely cleared yet

There's an important distinction in Saturday's update. Bagent was cleared to participate fully in practice, but that does not mean he has completed the NFL's concussion protocol and been cleared to play Monday.

Bagent still needs the necessary medical clearance, including approval from an independent neurological consultant. That could happen Sunday or Monday.

Ben Johnson isn't automatically sticking with Keenum

Keenum has spent most of the week preparing as Chicago's starter. He took the first-team reps while Bagent and Williams were unavailable and participated in the install of the game plan.

Normally, that would make changing quarterbacks less than 48 hours before kickoff unlikely. But Johnson isn't ruling it out.

"We'll let this process play out," Johnson said Saturday.

Bagent gives Bears something Keenum can't

Keenum has the experience advantage by a mile. He's played 14 NFL seasons and made 66 starts. Bagent has made four.

But Bagent also gives Johnson a quarterback who can create with his legs and move outside the pocket in ways the 38-year-old Keenum simply doesn't at this stage of his career.

We saw some of that against Minnesota.

Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards after replacing Williams and moved the Bears into scoring position on the final possession before Dallas Turner ended the game with a sack.

No, Bagent isn't Williams. But his mobility allows Chicago to preserve more of the offense it designed for Williams. And that has value.

Keenum has one major advantage

Keenum has spent almost the entire week operating as though he would start. He received the first-team reps and worked through Johnson's game plan to combat the Eagles' defense.

Bagent didn't practice on Wednesday or Friday. And who knows what one big hit might do to him if he does try to play.

That creates a legitimate decision for Johnson if Bagent gets cleared. Does Chicago start the quarterback who Johnson believes is one of the 32 best at the position in the NFL? Or does he stick with the veteran who spent the week preparing to play?

Bears went from having no choice to having one at QB

Earlier this week, Keenum was the only healthy quarterback on Chicago's 53-man roster. Practice-squad rookie Miller Moss appeared headed toward the No. 2 role.

Now the Bears could enter Monday night with Bagent available. Johnson isn't complaining about suddenly having a decision.

"We've got a lot of good choices," he said Saturday.

Monday's starter may remain a mystery

There is also no competitive reason for Johnson to announce anything early. Philadelphia has spent most of the week preparing for Keenum. Bagent presents a different athletic profile.

If the Bears don't have to tell the Eagles which quarterback they're preparing to start, why would they?

That could make Monday afternoon's inactive list the moment we finally get the answer.

The most important development already happened Saturday. Bagent is back on the practice field. If he's good to go, the Bears no longer have to start their third-string quarterback. They'll get to choose.

And after the way this week started, that's a pretty significant upgrade.