The Chicago Bears are turning to their third quarterback for a difficult Monday night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Veteran Case Keenum is expected to start for Chicago on Monday Night Football, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning. The move comes with Caleb Williams already ruled out because of a hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent only recently clearing concussion protocol.
For the 38-year-old Keenum, the assignment represents a sudden return to meaningful NFL action. He has not thrown a regular-season pass since making two starts for the Houston Texans in December 2023.
Tyson Bagent’s limited practice time opens door for Keenum
Bagent’s availability had been one of the biggest questions surrounding Chicago’s quarterback situation throughout the week.
The backup spent most of the week in concussion protocol before receiving clearance Sunday. Although that technically put Bagent back in the mix against Philadelphia, he participated in only one practice.
That left Bears coach Ben Johnson with a difficult choice. He could start Bagent after the quarterback missed much of the preparation and installation for the Eagles game, or turn to Keenum, who had been available throughout the week.
Johnson is expected to choose Keenum.
Facing Philadelphia only adds to the challenge. With the Eagles presenting a difficult defensive matchup, having a quarterback familiar with the week’s game plan could carry considerable weight in Chicago’s decision.
Case Keenum returns to starting role at 38
Keenum is now in his 14th NFL season and brings considerably more starting experience than the typical third-string quarterback.
He has made 66 career starts while completing 62.3% of his passes and throwing 79 touchdowns against 51 interceptions.
But those career numbers offer only part of the picture.
Keenum has spent the past couple of seasons away from regular live action, with his veteran presence and mentorship becoming an important part of his role. Monday night will require something very different.
He will have to operate Johnson’s offense against Philadelphia while dealing with the speed and pressure of an NFL defense for the first time in nearly three years.
Bears face uncertainty with Keenum under center
Keenum’s experience should help with the mental demands of the assignment. After more than a decade in the league, he has seen a wide range of defensive looks and understands the responsibilities that come with managing an offense.
The bigger questions involve what Keenum can physically provide at this point in his career.
There is little recent game evidence showing how much strength remains in his arm or how effectively he can move inside the pocket. Practice can prepare a quarterback for the scheme, but it cannot completely replicate the pressure, timing and contact of a regular-season game.
That makes Keenum something of an unknown despite his extensive NFL résumé.
Johnson’s willingness to start him indicates the Bears believe he can get the offense into the correct plays, work through his reads and handle the game plan. Whether Keenum can consistently execute those responsibilities against the Eagles will not become clear until he is back under center.
With Williams unavailable and Bagent having missed most of the week’s preparation, Chicago is going deep into its quarterback room for Week 3.
After nearly three years without throwing a regular-season pass, Keenum is about to find out how much he still has left.
