Veteran quarterback Case Keenum made an immediate impact. He threw a first-quarter shovel touchdown pass to Luther Burden III. This gave the Chicago Bears an early lead against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night at Soldier Field in Chicago.
- Eagles Respond as Injuries Shake Up Rosters
- Case Keenum’s Journeyman Career and Path to Monday Night
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Case Keenum start for the Chicago Bears against the Eagles?
- How long had it been since Case Keenum’s last NFL start?
- What franchise record did Case Keenum break?
- Which college did Case Keenum attend?
- How many NFL teams has Case Keenum played for?
Head coach Ben Johnson gave Keenum the starting nod. Second-year starter Caleb Williams was ruled inactive due to a right hamstring injury sustained in Week 2 against Minnesota. The 38-year-old signal-caller made his first regular-season appearance in nearly three years. He had last started for the Houston Texans in December 2023. Backup Tyson Bagent cleared concussion protocol to serve as the reserve.
Chicago took immediate advantage of its opening possession. The drive featured Keenum pass completions to Kalif Raymond and Sam Roush. Then, Burden powered into the end zone for the game’s opening points, putting the Bears ahead 7-0.
Eagles Respond as Injuries Shake Up Rosters
Philadelphia answered on its opening drive with a 19-yard completion from Jalen Hurts to rookie receiver Makai Lemon. However, an intentional grounding penalty quickly stalled the drive and forced a punt. The matchup also marked the Eagles debut for pass rusher Jonathan Greenard. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz also returned to Philadelphia’s roster following injuries to Dallas Goedert and Eli Stowers.
Stepping onto the field carried deep personal significance for Keenum. At 38 years old, he became the oldest quarterback in franchise history to throw a touchdown pass, surpassing the previous record held by Dave Krieg. ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge noted during the broadcast that 1,009 days had passed since Keenum last played in an NFL regular-season game. It was also the first time he played in front of his children.
“It means everything,” Keenum told ESPN regarding playing in front of his kids. “It’s incredible because we always say ‘Keenum’s can do hard things.’ So we’ll do some hard things tonight. And hopefully I can show them tonight how it’s done.”
Case Keenum’s Journeyman Career and Path to Monday Night
Keenum entered the NFL undrafted out of the University of Houston in 2012. He finished his collegiate career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. Over a 14-year career, he has played for eight different NFL franchises, accumulating 15,175 passing yards. His role in Chicago has primarily been to serve as a mentor and steady presence in the quarterback room behind Williams, but injuries forced him back into the spotlight.
The Bears wanted to establish an effective ground game alongside running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The pair combined for 316 rushing yards through the first two games. Keenum’s assignment relied on short, high-percentage throws to keep the offense moving against an undefeated Philadelphia defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Case Keenum start for the Chicago Bears against the Eagles?
Case Keenum started because regular starting quarterback Caleb Williams was inactive. Williams suffered a right hamstring injury in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. Backup Tyson Bagent was also recovering from concussion protocol earlier in the week.
How long had it been since Case Keenum’s last NFL start?
Prior to Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Keenum’s last regular-season start came in December 2023 with the Houston Texans. This was a span of 1,009 days.
What franchise record did Case Keenum break?
By throwing a touchdown pass to Luther Burden III in the first quarter, the 38-year-old Keenum became the oldest quarterback in Chicago Bears history to throw a regular-season touchdown pass. He broke the previous record held by Dave Krieg.
Which college did Case Keenum attend?
Keenum played college football at the University of Houston. He established himself as the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions before joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
How many NFL teams has Case Keenum played for?
The Chicago Bears represent the eighth different NFL franchise that Case Keenum has played for during his 14-year professional career.
