The Chicago Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football without starting quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams is expected to miss short-term action following a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in Week 2. Veteran backup quarterback Case Keenum steps into the starting lineup for his first regular-season pass attempts and start since the 2023 season, directing head coach Ben Johnson’s offense at Soldier Field.
- Ground Game Takes Center Stage for Chicago
- Philadelphia Deals With Key Offense Absences
- Quarterback Career Context and Depth
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Caleb Williams missing the Monday Night Football game?
- Who is starting at quarterback for the Chicago Bears against the Eagles?
- Is Tyson Bagent available to play?
- What roster moves did the Philadelphia Eagles make ahead of the game?
- Which key players are missing for the Philadelphia Eagles?
Williams sustained the injury during Chicago’s season-opening stretch and has not practiced since September 20 against the Minnesota Vikings. While team leadership has maintained a week-to-week designation for the young franchise quarterback, the injury sidelines him for the primetime matchup against an undefeated Philadelphia squad.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent briefly relieved Williams in Week 2 before sustaining a concussion. Bagent cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol late in the week, practiced fully on Saturday, and carries no injury designation. However, the coaching staff opted to start Keenum, who took the majority of first-team reps and prepared throughout the week under center.
Ground Game Takes Center Stage for Chicago
With a 38-year-old journeyman steering the offense in his 67th career NFL start, Chicago’s offensive strategy heavily emphasizes its backfield. Running back D’Andre Swift and rookie runner Kyle Monangai face the responsibility of carrying a significant workload against an Eagles defense that has surrendered steady production on the ground through the early weeks of the regular season, allowing 4.2 yards per carry.
The Bears previously leaned on their rushing attack to offset defensive pressure, notably rushing for 281 yards in a 24-15 victory over Philadelphia. Establishing an effective ground game aims to provide Keenum with manageable short-down situations and reliable play-action options.
Philadelphia Deals With Key Offense Absences
The Eagles enter Monday night with a 2-0 record despite navigating their own injury challenges. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith was ruled out of practice leading up to the game due to a hamstring injury, narrowing Philadelphia’s targets in the passing game alongside Jalen Hurts.
Additionally, tight end Dallas Goedert is expected to miss extended time with an MCL injury sustained in Week 2. In response, the Eagles elevated 35-year-old tight end Zach Ertz from the practice squad, bringing the veteran back to the franchise where he last played during the 2021 season.
Quarterback Career Context and Depth
Keenum’s unexpected start marks the latest chapter in a 14-year NFL career spanning eight different franchises. Undrafted out of Houston in 2012, Keenum has accumulated 15,175 career passing yards. Signed by Chicago primarily to provide veteran mentorship in the quarterback room alongside Williams and Bagent, Keenum now takes the field to lead the offense in a critical primetime environment.
To solidify depth behind center, the Bears are expected to promote practice-squad quarterback Miller Moss to the active roster as the emergency third quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Caleb Williams missing the Monday Night Football game?
Caleb Williams is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained during Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, keeping him out of action on a week-to-week recovery timeline.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Chicago Bears against the Eagles?
Veteran backup quarterback Case Keenum is getting the start, marking his first regular-season appearance and start since the 2023 season.
Is Tyson Bagent available to play?
Yes, Tyson Bagent cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is available on the bench as the backup quarterback to Case Keenum.
What roster moves did the Philadelphia Eagles make ahead of the game?
The Eagles elevated veteran tight end Zach Ertz from the practice squad to the active roster to help offset the absence of injured tight end Dallas Goedert.
Which key players are missing for the Philadelphia Eagles?
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith is out due to a hamstring injury, and injury reports confirm tight end Dallas Goedert is sidelined with an MCL injury.
