Case Keenum expected to start for Bears against Eagles

The Chicago Bears are expected to hand the start to Case Keenum in Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Backup Tyson Bagent spent most of the week in concussion protocol, while starter Caleb Williams is out with a hamstring injury.

Bagent cleared the protocol on Sunday, as NFL reports, but took part in only one practice; because he missed the installation of the game plan against a strong Eagles defense, coach Ben Johnson is expected to go with Keenum.

Keenum, 38, has not thrown a pass in an official game since two starts with the Houston Texans in December 2023. In his 14th NFL season, he has 66 career starts, a 62.3% completion rate, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions. Over the past two years he has served mainly as a mentor on the team.

The coach appears to trust his ability to run a complex offense and make the right reads, but it remains unknown how live Keenum’s arm will be and how mobile he will be in the pocket after two seasons out of regular play. According to NFL, the choice reflects the staff’s confidence despite the uncertainty around his physical condition.