Tyson Bagent's Injury Could Complicate Bears' Roster Decisions
During the first preseason game of the year, Tyson Bagent suffered a hamstring injury, adding to the extensive list of injuries for the Bears. But with injuries comes opportunity for others to step up and prove themselves. In this specific case, this rings true for Miller Moss and Case Keenum.
On Thursday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Bagent is week-to-week with his hamstring injury and did not travel with the team to Cincinnati. With Bagent not playing Saturday, let's take a look at Keenum and Moss and the opportunities the injury creates for both quarterbacks.
How Bagent's Injury Impacts the Bears' Depth Chart
Keenum Gives the Bears Stability After Bagent's Injury
Although Bagent is injured, the Bears' second-string offense is still in good hands. Keenum led the team with a perfect passer rating and two passing touchdowns. His performance also helped players fighting for a roster spot, like Salvon Ahmed, prove why they belong on the team.
Unfortunately, moving Keenum up to the second-team offense does affect the third-string offense. This gives players like Ahmed and wide receiver Scotty Miller fewer opportunities to prove why they deserve to make the team.
Earlier this year, there were talks of Keenum possibly retiring, but after his performance against Cleveland, he showed why he chose not to. He is 38 years old, so the conversation wasn't without reason. However, after his performance against Cleveland, it's safe to say that the conversation has been put on hold. Keenum also has a great relationship with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams and has been crucial to Williams' development as a quarterback.
Miller Moss Faces Increased Pressure After Bagent's Injury
The player who really benefits from Bagent's injury is undrafted rookie Miller Moss. While Moss played in the first preseason game, he didn't put on as strong a performance as Keenum.
Completing 3-8 passes for 48 yards, but he was a rookie getting used to the NFL pace. There is a gap between Moss and Keenum in NFL experience, but Moss showed strong signs of development and that he is coachable.
However, if Moss ends up playing as he did in the first preseason game, it could affect the rest of the depth chances of making the roster. An ineffective passing game for half the game makes it harder to evaluate the receivers and running backs.
Despite being a rookie, Moss has worked with Caleb Williams in the past as his backup. This relationship helps create a comfortable transition from college to the pros, giving Moss greater upside.
This opportunity could allow Moss to go down a similar path to Austin Reed. Although Reed didn't make the practice squad last season, he did make it in 2024. But with the previously mentioned upside, and Keenum and his age, the outcome could be different.
Moss could cement a spot on the practice squad this year based on how the preseason has been going for him. With the injuries that the Bears have sustained throughout the preseason so far, the likelihood of seeing Moss have a spot seems likely.
Conclusion
These players are at different points in their careers and are trying to prove themselves worthy of a spot on the roster. Both players have worked with Caleb and received praise from Ben Johnson after the preseason game against Cleveland.
Both Keenum and Moss are elevating themselves within the depth chart. Time will tell if both players remain on the roster throughout the year and beyond, or if one gets cut.
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