The Bears are currently facing a quarterback dilemma.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who was expected to step in for Caleb Williams—who is likely out—has now entered the NFL’s concussion protocol, as reported by Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.
This puts the spotlight on third-stringer Case Keenum for their upcoming “Monday Night Football” game against the Eagles.
Keenum, 38, is a veteran who just signed a two-year, $5.5 million extension this offseason, but he hasn’t seen action in a regular-season game since last playing for the Texans in 2023.
He went undrafted in 2012 and has since moved around quite a bit in his 13-year career, starting with the Texans and spending time with the Rams during their transition to Los Angeles, as well as with the Vikings, Broncos, Commanders, Browns, and Bills.
One of Keenum’s most memorable moments in the NFL came in 2018 when he connected with Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard touchdown pass in the closing seconds, an unforgettable moment known as the “Minneapolis Miracle” that helped the Vikings defeat the Saints in the playoffs.
This preseason, Keenum participated in all three games, turning in solid performances—his standout being a game against the Browns, where he completed 9 of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-10 victory.
The atmosphere in Chicago took a turn for the worse on Sunday when Williams sustained a non-contact hamstring injury that forced him out midway through the fourth quarter.
Bagent came in to take over for Williams and nearly orchestrated a comeback, but with just one offensive drive left and a minute on the clock, he struggled to make it happen, ultimately taking a sack on the final play.
Fortunately for the Bears, Williams appears to have avoided a severe injury. Coach Ben Johnson noted that while Williams will likely miss some time, there’s still a possibility he could play on Monday, with his status being somewhat of a week-to-week situation.
