With Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent sidelined by injuries, the veteran journeyman prepares to snap his three-year drought and steady the Chicago offense on Monday Night Football.
It's increasingly likely that the Chicago Bears will have to rely on third-string quarterback Case Keenum for Monday's game.
First, there was the injury to Caleb Williams in the game against the Minnesota Vikings this past weekend. Williams has a grade one hamstring injury and is expected to be out for the next 2-4 weeks.
This opened the door for Tyson Bagent to start until news broke that he sustained an injury in the game, too. Bagent is in the NFL's concussion protocol, and his status for the game is uncertain.
Bagent has proved he has what it takes in these situations before. In 2023, he had to come in for the injured Justin Fields for four games. Bagent led the team to a 2-2 record and threw for 776 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Keenum has been in the league longer than Bagent has, but hasn't started an NFL game since 2023 with the Houston Texans. He came into the NFL in 2013 with the Texans. Keenum has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, and Cleveland Browns.
A lot of people are already doubting the Bears as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
The initial injury report will give us a better idea of the quarterback situation. We do know from Ben Johnson that Bagent wasn't in the building on Wednesday as part of the concussion protocol, which isn't a good sign.
Keenum feels very ready for the opportunity either way. He noted at a recent press conference that he is very prepared if the Bears decide to call on him.
He isn't treating this week any differently than he normally would.
"I feel very prepared," Keenum said. "I mean, I think people don't realize in general in the NFL how little reps go around during a game week. The starter usually gets all the first-team reps, and, you know, maybe a few for the backup here and there. You know, the backup gets all the scout team reps and then, you know, other than that, it's kind of mental reps. So, I'm standing behind Caleb, Tyson, you know, getting reps, seeing where those guys are. You know, you're trying to bank stuff from training camp. But, yeah, I feel very prepared. I mean, that's what I do every week."
One thing Keenum, Williams, and Bagent have in common is familiarity with Johnson's offense. Bagent has been with the franchise since 2023 and has worked with Matt Eberflus and Johnson.
It's safe to say Johnson has been the best coach Bagent has worked with so far.
Keenum joined the team last year and now has a year of experience in the system. He didn't see the field once in 2025, but played a valuable role as a mentor for Williams and other players on the roster.
Now, it looks like there's a chance Keenum could start for the first time in three years.
If the Bears choose him, the veteran will be ready to go.
