EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Bears coach Ben Johnson said he knows the "direction" the team will go at quarterback in Week 4 but won't publicly declare a starter."The direction's already been made, so we'll be in good shape for Sunday," Johnson said Wednesday.The Bears could take their decision all the way up until game day, with Johnson noting the team will know who's playing "on Sunday" against the New York Jets. Despite the pending nature against the NFL's No. 2 defense in yards allowed, Johnson said deciding his starter won't be difficult."It's not hard for me at all," he said. "I feel really good about all three quarterbacks in that room. And I know all three of them can win ball games for us."Case Keenum threw for 247 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in the Bears' 27-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. The veteran third-string quarterback started his first game in 1,009 days after a hamstring injury sidelined Caleb Williams in Week 3.Chicago's other backup QB, Tyson Bagent, only practiced once ahead of the Eagles game and didn't clear the concussion protocol until Sunday, a day before the game. Bagent was active against Philadelphia but did not see any game action.Not long after the win, Johnson reaffirmed his belief in Bagent, noting there's "a reason why Tyson ended training camp as our No. 2 quarterback" but said the coaching staff would discuss its starting options this week, including whether to stick with Keenum.Williams, however, does not appear to factor into those plans at the onset of the Bears' work week. He has s Grade 2 hamstring strain that is expected to keep him out for three to four weeks, sources previously told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Bears did not place Williams on injured reserve ahead of "Monday Night Football," which points to the team's belief that he could be back within four games.Johnson said Williams is "getting better every single day" but would not participate in the team's walkthrough Wednesday.Whether the Bears stick with Keenum or give Bagent his first start since 2023 will be discussed as Chicago practices Thursday and Friday. Johnson said the idea of riding the hot hand with Keenum is "a part" of the evaluation, but the main factor of Chicago's quarterback decision is much simpler."Whoever we feel like gives us the best chance to win," he said.
