Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and returned to practice Saturday, per multiple reports including ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move opens the possibility that Bagent could start Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles rather than the Bears turning to their third-string option.
Bagent's availability is significant for Chicago's quarterback situation. If he is unable to play, Case Keenum would be the team's starter, according to CBS Sports. The exact reason for Bagent's absence from earlier practices was not detailed in the available reporting, though the concussion protocol clearance suggests he had been in the league's injury protocol.
One report from Bleeding Green Nation notes a discrepancy in the reporting, suggesting that while head coach Ben Johnson said Bagent had been cleared, that clearance may not have been officially complete at the time of the statement. Nonetheless, multiple outlets confirm Bagent is now practicing and in position to potentially start Monday's divisional matchup.