2023 Season

Another Round of Tyson: Rookie QB Bagent expected to start vs. Chargers

Chicago Bears rookie QB Tyson Bagent is expected to start Week 8’s Sunday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Published

2 years ago

October 23, 2023

Another Round of Tyson: Rookie QB Bagent expected to start vs. Chargers (2023 Season)

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent is expected to start Week 8’s Sunday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers, coach Matt Eberflus confirmed Monday. Justin Fields is doubtful as he continues his recovery from a dislocated right thumb.

Bagent Mania kicked into high gear after Sunday’s win over the Raiders. The undrafted Shepherd University longshot led the Bears to a convincing 30-12 win thanks to efficient and, at times, boring quarterback play.

#Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) will be doubtful for this week, per head coach Matt Eberflus. Looks like another week of Tyson Bagent, who was solid Sunday against Raiders.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 23, 2023

“He’s just not there yet,” Eberflus said of Fields, whose recovery timeline depends on how long it takes to regain his grip strength. The Bears remain confident Fields won’t need surgery or go on injured reserve. But another week out of the lineup will give Bagent another chance to recruit fans to his side of the quarterback debate.

“Not a lot of people get to say they started in an NFL game, let alone win an NFL game,” Bagent said after his first start. “I think the staff understood it, too, and the players. That’s why everybody rallied behind me as well as they did.”

Bryce Young threw for 146 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his Panthers debut, while CJ Stroud (Texans) threw for 242 yards and no scores (he had one fumble). Anthony Richardson threw for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his first start for the Colts. He ran for 40 yards and a touchdown, too.

The difference between Tyson Bagent and those other rookies is that Bagent went undrafted in 2023. Young and Stroud were the first two picks of the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson was the fourth.

This doesn’t mean Bagent’s ceiling is as high as theirs, but he’s undoubtedly equipped to play in the league.

With a second career start heading his way, Bagent can prove he’s more than an incredible underdog story. Perhaps he’s the best man for the quarterback job in Chicago.

We’ll find out in primetime.

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