The Chicago Bears are facing a significant quarterback quandary ahead of their "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting quarterback Caleb Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury, and backup Tyson Bagent has entered the NFL's concussion protocol, leaving veteran Case Keenum as the probable starter.
Williams suffered a non-contact hamstring injury late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, forcing him to leave the field. Bagent, who was set to step in for Williams, was unable to lead the Bears to a comeback victory and has since been placed in concussion protocol. This leaves the 38-year-old Keenum, who recently signed a two-year, $5.5 million extension, as the next man up.
Keenum has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game since 2023 with the Houston Texans. He has had a journeyman career since going undrafted in 2012, with previous stints including the Rams, Vikings, Broncos, Commanders, Browns, and Bills. His most memorable NFL moment occurred in the 2018 NFC divisional playoff game when he threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs as time expired, securing a win for the Vikings against the Saints in what became known as the "Minneapolis Miracle."
During the Bears' preseason, Keenum participated in all three games. He had a notable performance against the Cleveland Browns, completing 9 of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-10 victory.
While Williams avoided a major injury and may have a chance to play, his status is week-to-week, according to coach Ben Johnson. The current situation thrusts Keenum into a starting role amidst a challenging period for the Bears' quarterback depth.