Updated

Updated · PhillyVoice.com · Sep 27

Bears Turn to Case Keenum for Week 3 as Caleb Williams Sits With Hamstring Strain

Updated

Updated · PhillyVoice.com · Sep 27

Bears Turn to Case Keenum for Week 3 as Caleb Williams Sits With Hamstring Strain

Q: With Caleb Williams out and Tyson Bagent cleared, why might the Bears still turn to Case Keenum against the Eagles?

The Bears might still start Case Keenum because Tyson Bagent, despite clearing concussion protocol, missed most of the week’s preparation and only got back to full practice late. That matters against a strong Eagles defense, especially in Ben Johnson’s offense, where timing, checks and game-plan installation are critical. Keenum has the practical advantage of having taken the starter reps during the week while Caleb Williams and Bagent were unavailable. Reports indicated Chicago was leaning toward Keenum for that reason: he was the only quarterback on the 53-man roster to practice throughout the week and was more involved in the game-plan build. In a short week and with Williams considered week-to-week, the Bears may prefer the quarterback who had the most complete preparation. There is also the experience factor. Keenum is a 14-year veteran with 66 career starts, and the coaching staff appears to trust him to get the offense into the right play and make the correct reads. Johnson has said both quarterbacks understand the offense well, but Keenum offers steadiness and familiarity with the full week’s script. Bagent still has a case because his mobility gives Chicago a different dimension, and Johnson acknowledged that. But if the decision comes down to readiness for Monday night rather than upside, Keenum’s full week of work and veteran command make him a logical choice.

3 articles · Updated · PhillyVoice.com · Sep 27

Case Keenum will start for Chicago against Philadelphia after the Bears made Caleb Williams inactive for Week 3 and kept Tyson Bagent available only as the backup.
Williams strained his hamstring in Week 2 against Minnesota, while Bagent also entered the week recovering from a concussion, forcing the Bears to their No. 3 quarterback.
Chicago's injury list extends beyond quarterback: left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is out again, safety Coby Bryant remains on injured reserve, and cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker Noah Sewell are still on PUP.
Philadelphia also enters the game short-handed, with tight end Dallas Goedert expected to miss multiple games after a knee sprain, though Saquon Barkley is set to play.
The matchup now pits a depleted Bears offense against a 2-0 Eagles team that added Zach Ertz this week to help cover for Goedert's absence.