Is it time to worry about PJ Walker as the Bears’ backup QB?

For the first time in Chicago Bears franchise history, there aren’t any concerns about the starting quarterback. Justin Fields is the QB1 and will be for a very long time. If he stays healthy and continues on his current trajectory, he’ll rewrite every major Bears passing record.

But it’s that staying healthy part that’s never certain. No matter how great a team’s starting quarterback is, the success of a season could depend on how capable the backup is.

The Bears haven’t had to spend much time focusing on the backup quarterback in recent years because, let’s face it, the starter has always been the problem. That isn’t the case anymore.

PJ Walker has entered the chat.

The Chicago Bears signed Walker during the offseason to serve as Justin Fields’ primary backup. His two-year, $4.15 million contract suggests he’s the unquestioned QB2, but his play on the field this summer is beginning to sound alarms. He’s been bad.

Walker completed 4-of-8 passes for 19 yards and an interception in the Bears’ preseason opener against the Titans, and while a stat line during the preseason is rarely evidence of a problem, it was how uncomfortable and overmatched he was that should have coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy feeling anxious.

The former Carolina Panther has a chance to restore confidence during this week’s joint practices and preseason tilt against the Indianapolis Colts, and he had an up-and-down day Wednesday. It began with an interception early and ended with a touchdown pass to tight end Robert Tonyan.

Perhaps that’s just life with a backup quarterback. They aren’t starters for a reason. Maybe it’s inconsistent execution or just not enough physical gifts. But backups are still expected to minimize mistakes when their number is called. Walker hasn’t established he can be that guy yet.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise for Chicago Bears fans. PJ Walker has started seven games (15 appearances) in his career. He’s thrown five touchdowns and 11 interceptions during that stretch and has a career completion percentage of just 57.5.

He is who he is.

In some ways, the Bears’ decision to sign Walker makes sense. He’s a mobile quarterback that Chicago won’t have to change much of the offense for if Justin Fields goes down. But having a similar baseline set of traits doesn’t guarantee production. Walker’s career numbers are proof of that.

At this point, the Bears may not have much choice but to trust Walker with the QB2 duties. Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent could win the QB3 derby, but even the biggest Bagent fans will admit he’s nowhere near ready for NFL action.

The list of unsigned quarterbacks who can replace Walker is short. Carson Wentz? Joe Flacco? Chase Daniel? Dare I say, Nick Foles? None of them inspire confidence, and the Bears could be left saying a few extra prayers that Fields stays healthy for 17 games.

The NFL season is a war of attrition. Walker, or whoever the QB2 is for the Chicago Bears, will likely see action at some point this year. Hopefully, the results will be better than they’ve been this summer.