I think I speak for every Chicago Bears fan when I say that we never, ever want to see Tyson Bagent start another game for this franchise.
All respect to Bagent, but that performance against the Green Bay Packers was abysmal.
In a call with Chicago media on Monday, Johnson was asked point-blank about his quarterback situation and what the depth chart looks like after Bagent's performance ultimately led to his benching against Green Bay.
“We’re still working through that. No determination has been made in terms of what direction we’re going. There are a lot of things we’re assessing right now.”
That's not just coach speak. Last week, Johnson was quick to say Bagent would start again in Week 5. This time, he left the door wide open.
Why would he leave the door open?
Johnson already told the media, immediately following the loss, that he thinks it's "going to be close" as far as Caleb Williams' return in Week 6.
I think we know where this is going. Sound the alarm ... Superman is almost back.
Ben Johnson's non-committal answer to the quarterback depth chart could signal Caleb Williams' return
First of all, the obvious conclusion to make from this is that there's been no determination in the direction because of how badly Bagent played on Sunday.
Obviously, Johnson knows the magnitude of his coming decision if it ends up being Bagent vs. Keenum. The play from Bagent was enough to make Bears fans start to see shades of Caleb Hanie and Todd Collins -- except we're all thankful that it wasn't that bad.
But, it was bad.
Now, with Johnson saying there are "a lot of things" they are assessing at the moment, that absolutely includes the health and status of Caleb Williams.
Regarding the quarterback situation, I don't think Johnson has much to consider; it's just a Bagent vs. Keenum conversation. That seems pretty easy and obvious after what the last three weeks have shown us.
Keenum is QB2, plain and simple.
But, this isn't about the backup. This is very much about Williams coming back, this week, on the road, against the Atlanta Falcons.
Williams thrust himself back into the conversation when we saw him out on the field on Sunday, before kickoff in Green Bay. As Williams went through a throwing session and warm-up, fans started to gain more and more hope that he could return very soon.
Following the loss to the Packers, Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns did note that Williams didn't quite look 100 percent during that pre-game workout, but that he looked close and was even simulating his famous "Superman" throw, rolling out to his left, a couple of times.
You've got to believe that, if Williams is feeling good enough to roll out to his left and try a couple of those throws, he has to be close -- real close.
So, as the Bears practice this week and Johnson assesses "all" of the aspects of his quarterback situation, I'd venture to guess there's really only one thing that takes the cake in terms of importance. There's only one question that needs to be answered.
Can Caleb Williams go in Week 6?
If he is healthy and has a low risk of re-injury after rehabbing, then I tend to lean in the direction that Williams is back this week.
Bears fans have seen enough of Bagent, at this point, and are ready to crown Keenum as the new backup. But going into a stretch where the Bears are facing a surprising Falcons team, followed by games against the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, this team needs Williams under center, no doubt.
So, as the week of practice starts to unfold, we should know sooner rather than later if Williams is going to be out there in Atlanta.
Read more: Roschon Johnson revealed just how much the Bears need Kyle Monangai
Here's to hoping that, at the very least, it isn't Bagent again.
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