Case Keenum likely to start as Bagent clears protocol
Case Keenum is likely to start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night after Tyson Bagent cleared concussion protocol. Caleb Williams remains out with a hamstring strain. Keenum, 38, took the week's practice reps while Williams and Bagent were sidelined.
The backup battle flipped again over the weekend. Bagent is cleared and carries no injury designation, yet ESPN reports he is expected to back up Keenum for the Week 3 matchup. For more celebrity and sports breaking updates, follow BlasterPost Celebrity Breaking News.
Key Takeaways
- Case Keenum is expected to start Monday night versus the Eagles, per ESPN.
- Tyson Bagent cleared the NFL concussion protocol and has no injury designation.
- Caleb Williams is ruled out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, expected to miss three to four weeks.
- Coach Ben Johnson called the starter choice a possible game-time decision between Bagent and Keenum.
- Kickoff is set for Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET at home against Philadelphia.
Why is Case Keenum likely to start against the Eagles?
Keenum was the only quarterback on Chicago's 53-man roster to practice every day leading into Week 3, according to ESPN. With Williams ruled out and Bagent recovering from a concussion, the veteran took starting snaps early in the week.
ESPN reports Bagent is expected to serve as Keenum's backup even after clearing protocol. The Bears' official site still framed the decision as potentially coming down to a game-time call between the two.
If Keenum gets the nod, it would be the 38-year-old's first NFL start since 2023, when he went 1-1 for the Houston Texans. In his 14th season, he nearly retired last year before joining coach Ben Johnson in Chicago.
How did Tyson Bagent clear the concussion protocol?
Bagent sustained a concussion on his second play in relief of Williams in Chicago's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. After an incomplete short pass, he was driven to the turf by Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
He missed Wednesday and Friday practices, then returned as a full participant Saturday after clearing enough steps to work out without limitations. NFL.com reports that after remaining symptom-free into Sunday, Bagent was fully cleared and removed from the injury report.
Should Chicago start Bagent instead, it would be his first start since 2023, when the undrafted rookie went 2-2 with 859 passing yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions across five appearances.
What is Caleb Williams' injury status for Monday night?
Williams has been ruled out of Monday night's home game against the Eagles. He sustained a hamstring injury midway through the fourth quarter against Minnesota and could not practice this week.
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Williams has a Grade 2 hamstring strain expected to sideline him for three to four weeks. It will be his first missed NFL game since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2024.
Johnson said both backups bring different skill sets—one more mobile, both "very cerebral"—and that the staff would align on a final plan. Running back Kyle Monangai, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and kicker Cairo Santos are all cleared to play after earlier in-week limitations.