Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams poses with jersey after being chosen as the No. 1 pick in the first round during the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official: Bears rookie Caleb Williams to start at QB

Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams on Friday was named the team’s starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

The announcement comes as little surprise, given the Bears selected Williams with the top overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Southern California.

Tyson Bagent, 23, is expected to serve as the backup. He started four games as an undrafted rookie last season.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus didn’t mince words when announcing the decision on Williams.

“No conversation. He’s the starter,” Eberflus said.

Williams, 22, said he’s ready to take the steps to learn how to lead.

“To be a great leader, you have to learn how to follow first. So right now I’m following all the vets, I’m following all the coaches, I’m listening — having both ears open and my mouth shut — just kind of sitting back listening,” he said. “When I get to the point of when I learn everything, when I learn the ways of how we do it, the culture, the playbook and what the offensive line, wide receivers are all doing, running backs and tight ends, things like that, then you can start taking the lead, then you can start taking the helms of it and take the next steps.

“For right now though, I’m listening more than I’m speaking and talking and I’m taking it one step at a time and being in the moment.”

Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Trojans in 2023.

In three seasons at Oklahoma (2021) and USC combined, Williams put up prolific passing numbers: 10,082 yards, 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with 27 rushing TDs.

Bagent completed 94 of 143 passes for 859 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions in five games last season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields (thumb) doubtful for Bears in Week 8

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is trending toward missing a second consecutive game with a dislocated thumb, which will give undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent another start in Week 8.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said Monday that Fields is doubtful for this week’s road game against the Los Angeles Chargers on “Sunday Night Football.”

“No change. Doubtful for this week. He’s working with trainers. He continues to progress but he’s just not there,” Eberflus told reporters. “Bagent will be our starter until the time (Fields) is cleared.”

Bagent threw for 162 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-29 passing to lead the Bears to a 30-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Bears relied on a bruising running game and three interceptions by the defense to earn their second win of the season.

Fields dislocated his right thumb in a Week 6 loss to the visiting Minnesota Vikings. He left the game in the third quarter after being tackled face-down with his body weight landing on the thumb beneath him. In six games this season, Fields has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,201 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also rushed for 237 yards and a score.

Eberflus was optimistic the team would see the return of back running back Roschon Johnson, who has been in concussion protocol. Left tackle Braxton Jones is also eligible to return from injured reserve this week.

Offensive lineman Nate Davis (ankle) is already ruled out for the Chargers’ game. He missed Sunday’s game against the Raiders.

–Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears QB Justin Fields out, Tyson Bagent to start vs. Raiders

A dislocated right thumb will keep Chicago quarterback Justin Fields from playing Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders.

Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent will start for the Bears (1-5), whose coach Matt Eberflus said Friday that the team does not see Fields needing surgery or time on injured reserve at this time.

“We are not on that path right now. We are trending in the right direction,” Eberflus said.

“He’s improving. Mobility is getting better, swelling going down. Grip strength is better. … He’ll be week-to-week. We’ll know more on Monday.”

Fields dislocated his right thumb during last Sunday’s 19-13 loss to the visiting Minnesota Vikings. He left the game in the third quarter after being tackled face-down with his body weight landing on the thumb beneath him.

X-rays and an MRI exam showed no long-term damage, but Eberflus said Fields experienced significant swelling that weakens his grip on the ball. Fields, 24, had been listed as doubtful this week to face the Raiders (3-3).

In six games this season, Fields has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,201 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has also rushed 47 times for 237 yards and a score.

Bagent, 23, was one of the remarkable stories of the preseason for the Bears. The rookie from Division II Shepherd University beat out PJ Walker to back up Fields. Bagent scored a rushing touchdown in his NFL debut but lost a fumble and threw a game-ending interception against Minnesota. He finished 10 of 14 for 83 yards.

“I know the guys have a lot of confidence in him,” Eberflus said. “He’s a very confident guy. And again, he’s got good arm talent. He’s got good poise and pocket presence and we’re excited to see where it goes.”

Nathan Peterman is the other quarterback on the active roster. Peterman, 29, has 13 interceptions in 13 career games, including five starts. He entered the NFL in 2017 with the Buffalo Bills and also played for the Raiders.

–Field Level Media