Veteran quarterback Case Keenum got the starting nod for the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Soldier Field. The move came after starting quarterback Caleb Williams was ruled out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
With primary backup Tyson Bagent in concussion protocol for most of the week-despite receiving clearance on Sunday morning-the 38-year-old Keenum stepped in for his first NFL regular-season appearance since playing for the Houston Texans in 2023. Chicago entered the Week 3 prime-time matchup with a 1-1 record following a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Navigating a Short-Handed Quarterback Room
The path to Keenum’s unexpected start unfolded rapidly following the team’s Week 2 defeat. Caleb Williams suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury that sidelined him for an estimated three to four weeks. Meanwhile, Tyson Bagent finished the game against Minnesota under center but subsequently entered the league’s concussion protocol.
Although Bagent cleared protocol ahead of the game, missing the initial practices of the week forced the coaching staff to lean heavily on Keenum. Throughout the week of preparation, Keenum took the bulk of the first-team reps, making him the logical choice to handle the game plan under head coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
Facing a Formidable Eagles Defense
Keenum faced a tough test against a formidable Philadelphia defensive unit. The Eagles entered the Week 3 contest ranking third in success rate and 10th in yards per play across the NFL. Keenum noted the high level of individual talent on the opposing defensive front, which features standout tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
Despite not making a regular-season start in three years, Keenum brought extensive experience to the huddle, boasting 66 career starts across eight different NFL franchises. Entering Monday night, the 14-year veteran held a 3-0 career record against defensive schemes coordinated by Vic Fangio. He had previously completed 59 of 83 passes for 528 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in those specific matchups.
Supporting Cast and Ground Game Strategy
To ease the burden on their veteran backup, the Bears leaned on an established rushing attack. Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 316 rushing yards through the first two games of the season. Establishing an effective ground game allowed Keenum to execute shorter throws and avoid forcing difficult plays against Philadelphia’s aggressive front seven.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze expressed confidence in the team’s offensive chemistry with Keenum, noting that the veteran threw regularly to various targets during training camp and offseason workouts. The prime-time matchup at Soldier Field also featured a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighted by the two-time Grammy-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de Mexico performing the national anthem.
