The Chicago Bears’ Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings resulted in a horrific hand injury for quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears will now turn to undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent as Fields is expected to be out for some time.
Fields’ finger was declared dislocated during the Vikings’ defeat. Fields’ X-rays came back negative, but according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he is already doubtful for Week 7 against the Raiders. Fields’ finger injury will require surgery, but the Bears and he will attempt to prevent it. Fields’ ability to grasp and throw the ball will be crucial to his recovery.
UDFA Tyson Bagent was tossed into the fire as Fields was knocked down by the Vikings. During his debut in the NFL, Bagent completed 10 of 14 passes for 83 yards and one pick. Fields is now expected to miss the Raiders game in Week 7, which means Bagent will likely start his first NFL game.
Owing to an unlucky injury, Tyson Bagent went from being a UDFA to an NFL starting quarterback in just seven weeks. However, who precisely is the Bears’ injury substitute for Justin Fields?
Bagent played his college football at DII Shepard University. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact, as the quarterback became the Rams’ QB1 his freshman season. From that moment, Bagent didn’t look back and made a name for himself at the college football level.
With Shepard, the quarterback played in 53 games and finished with a strong 43-10 record overall. His passing total was 17,034 yards with 159 touchdowns. He has the most touchdown passes (159) of any quarterback in college football, including DI.
Bagent was a two-time First-Team DII All-American during his tenure with the Rams and the winner of the Harlan Hill trophy, which is awarded to the top DII player. He won the offensive player of the year award twice for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East.
Despite having DI chances, Bagent chose to complete his collegiate education at Shepard. It made it possible for him to break even more records and solidify his Rams legacy.
A bear purchases a lotto ticket.
Nevertheless, Bagent was still performing at a DII level despite all of his numbers. Even though Bagent was accepted to the NFL Combine, many evaluators felt that his level of competition hindered his chances of making the team. Nevertheless, Chicago chose to take a chance on the DII standout because they loved what they saw.
The Bears had seasoned players PJ Walker and Nathan Peterman on the roster as possible backups for Justin Fields when they signed Bagent. Although neither is a world beater, their background was predicted to surpass Bagent’s inherent skill.
But Bagent seized the chance when it presented itself during the preseason. 156 scoreless throwing yards don’t seem like much on the surface. But whenever he was on the pitch, the UDFA was able to improve the offence. Pro Football Focus gave Bagent the second-highest rookie quarterback grade through the first two preseason games. He guided the Bears down the field on a 42-yard scoring drive during the third preseason game.
With his performance in the preseason, the Bears felt confident moving on from Walker and released him. Now, Bagent has a sole grip on Chicago’s QB2 role and is Fields’ direct backup.
Nathan Peterman is still a member of the Chicago team. He has, though, fluctuated since joining the practise squad. It appears that the Bears are determined to give Bagent a chance. Chicago is merely looking for him to get experience, given Fields’ injury was his first taste of NFL action.
Numerous former Division II athletes have achieved success in the NFL. Two of the most dynamic players in the league are wide receiver Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins and running back Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers. But Tyson Bagent, the quarterback, will be under close observation.
Chicago will want to check Bagent’s suitability for the limelight. Although Fields currently plays for the Bears, it’s not
However, speculation regarding Fields’ future with the squad has been rampant. Chicago is expected to select two players in the top five of the NFL Draught in 2024. That could be the perfect time to grab a quarterback. A standout Bagent performance or performances could alter Chicago’s strategy.
Bagent wants to take Fields’ place and assist the Bears in moving the ball offensively for the time being. However, his rise from DII to the grandest platform demonstrates Chicago’s faith in him. Tyson Bagent will now have the chance to demonstrate to the Chicago Bears’ coaching staff that he can still play quarterback despite facing tough college competition as he prepares for his first NFL start.
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