NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tyson Bagent wasted no time making his mark, hitting Zavion Thomas for a 97-yard touchdown on Chicago’s opening offensive snap as the Bears closed their preseason Saturday night with a 24-15 victory over the Tennessee Titans in a matchup dominated by reserves.
With Caleb Williams observing from the sideline, Bagent opened the game in rhythm by completing his first seven throws for 155 yards. He later added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Maurice Alexander in the second quarter, as Chicago (2-1) successfully converted each of its first four fourth-down attempts.
Titans coach Robert Saleh had emphasized the importance of getting his starters meaningful preseason work. But after joint practices against each of Tennessee’s preseason opponents — all NFC playoff teams — the Titans (2-1) leaned mostly on backups, with Cam Ward watching as Will Levis started in one final showcase before Sunday’s NFL roster cut deadline.
Bagent, who entered the league undrafted out of Division II, again looked the part of a dependable No. 2 quarterback behind Williams. Chicago had signed him to a two-year extension in August 2025, and he backed up that confidence by going 16 of 17 for 208 yards and two touchdowns before exiting with the Bears ahead 14-9 at halftime.
Tennessee did have a few defensive regulars on the field, including end Jacob Martin, linebacker Cedric Gray and nickel cornerback Marcus Harris. Still, Bagent repeatedly attacked a Titans backup secondary that included Keydrain Calligan and Micah Robinson.
Martin gave Tennessee an early defensive highlight when he recovered a fumble charged to Bagent after a mishandled handoff on Chicago’s second possession. The play sparked a sideline celebration that included All-Pro tackle Jeffery Simmons, end Jermaine Johnson II and rookie end Keldric Faulk.
Levis finished 14 of 22 passing for 143 yards and also recovered his own fumble following a botched handoff. The No. 33 overall pick in the 2023 draft guided the Titans to three field goals, including one on the final play of the game.
Bears and Titans use quarterback rotations
Case Keenum replaced Bagent for Chicago in the third quarter. Roschon Johnson added a 3-yard touchdown run, and Cairo Santos followed with a field goal to stretch the Bears’ advantage to 24-9. Undrafted rookie quarterback Miller Moss, out of Louisville, handled the fourth quarter for Chicago.
Hendon Hooker took over for Levis after halftime. Mitch Trubisky, signed in March to back up Ward, stayed on the sideline along with the Titans’ starting quarterback.
Tennessee’s lone TD came on a 9-yard run by D’Ernest Johnson with 3:50 left. The 2-point conversion failed.
Slye was the Titans’ best offensive threat this preseason
Slye finished the preseason with 11 field goals, including becoming the first NFL player since the start of the 2017 preseason to make at least four in consecutive exhibitions. He added two more in the first half against the Bears and finished by making all five from 50 yards out or longer.
By halftime, he had 11 field goals for the most by any player in a preseason since Graham Gano had 13 in 2016 for Carolina.
Up next
Bears: Open the season Sept. 13 at Carolina.
Titans: Host Saleh’s old team the New York Jets on Sept. 13.
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