The Chicago Bears are preparing for the possibility that Case Keenum will start Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles after injuries left their quarterback room in an uncertain spot.
Key takeaways
- Caleb Williams is expected to miss this week with a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota.
- Backup Tyson Bagent has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol following the same game.
- Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards after replacing Williams in the fourth quarter.
- Veteran Case Keenum could be called upon for his first regular-season start since 2023.
- Chicago’s Monday kickoff gives Bagent an additional day to pursue clearance before the Eagles game.
Bears await Bagent’s status
Williams left Chicago’s 9-3 defeat against the Vikings with a hamstring issue, and head coach Ben Johnson indicated Monday that the injury will likely keep the starting quarterback out for the upcoming game.
Bagent took over late against Minnesota, but his own availability is now in doubt. The second-year quarterback was evaluated after taking a hard sack from Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner on the game’s final snap and is now working through concussion protocol.
Chicago will not need to declare its starter until Monday night, when it faces Philadelphia in prime time. That schedule provides an extra day for Bagent to meet the requirements for a return, potentially allowing the Bears to avoid turning to their third option.
Keenum could be thrust into action
If Bagent cannot gain clearance, Keenum would be in line to lead the offense against the Eagles. The 38-year-old is in his second season with the Bears and has primarily served as an experienced voice in the quarterbacks room.
Keenum has not attempted a regular-season pass or made a regular-season start since his 2023 stint with the Houston Texans. Across 11 NFL seasons, he has started 66 games, though only four of those starts have come since 2020.
His career totals include a 62.3 percent completion rate, 15,175 passing yards, 79 touchdown passes and 51 interceptions. Keenum remains most closely associated with the 2017 “Minneapolis Miracle,” but Chicago may now need the longtime veteran to provide more than mentorship.
The Bears would be asking Keenum to handle a Philadelphia defense after an extended absence from live regular-season action. His experience reading coverages and managing a game could be valuable, but the final decision may hinge on whether Bagent is cleared in time for Monday night.
