Veteran quarterback Case Keenum is expected to start for the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. The move comes as starting quarterback Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Veteran Experience and Familiarity Lead to Keenum’s Nod
- Eagles Defense Prepares for Soldier Field Showdown
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Case Keenum starting for the Chicago Bears?
- When was Case Keenum’s last NFL regular-season start?
- How long is Caleb Williams expected to be out?
- Is Tyson Bagent available for the game against the Eagles?
- What time is kickoff for the Monday Night Football game?
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be available to support Keenum from the bench. However, Bagent had limited practice time during the week. He only took part in one full session after recovering from a concussion sustained in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. This cleared the way for the coaching staff to choose the 38-year-old veteran.
Veteran Experience and Familiarity Lead to Keenum’s Nod
Keenum has not appeared in an NFL regular-season contest since December 2023, when he was with the Houston Texans. Across his 14-year career, Keenum has logged 66 starts. He has compiled a 30-36 record with 79 touchdowns and 51 interceptions while completing 62.3% of his passes.
ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport highlighted Keenum’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system as a critical factor in the decision. Even with limited live-game action over the last two seasons, Johnson trusts the journeyman quarterback to direct a complex playbook. He expects Keenum to get the offense into proper alignments and make correct reads against a tough Philadelphia defense.
“I feel very prepared. I think people don’t realize in general in the NFL how little reps go around during a game week,” Keenum told reporters on Wednesday regarding his readiness for his first start in three years.
Eagles Defense Prepares for Soldier Field Showdown
Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated that his unit prepared for the Bears’ offensive scheme as a whole rather than focusing solely on who takes snaps under center. The Eagles’ defense placed a strong emphasis during practice on improving against the run game to avoid previous defensive lapses.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Rome Odunze expressed confidence in the offense’s chemistry with Keenum. He noted that they shared plenty of repetitions during the offseason and training camp.
Kickoff for Monday night’s matchup at Soldier Field is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. In addition to the quarterback change, the game features special Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. The two-time Grammy-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de Mexico will make franchise history as the first mariachi group to perform the national anthem at Soldier Field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Case Keenum starting for the Chicago Bears?
Case Keenum is starting because primary starting quarterback Caleb Williams is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Backup Tyson Bagent also spent most of the week recovering from a concussion, which limited his practice participation.
When was Case Keenum’s last NFL regular-season start?
Keenum’s last regular-season appearances and starts came in December 2023 while playing for the Houston Texans.
How long is Caleb Williams expected to be out?
Williams is expected to miss approximately 3 to 4 weeks due to his hamstring injury, though the team has not placed him on injured reserve.
Is Tyson Bagent available for the game against the Eagles?
Yes, Tyson Bagent officially cleared the league’s concussion protocol and will serve as the backup quarterback behind Case Keenum.
What time is kickoff for the Monday Night Football game?
Kickoff between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field is set for 7:15 p.m. on Monday Night Football.
