The Bears are in the middle of a quarterback crisis.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who was set to replace a likely sidelined Caleb Williams in Week 3, is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday.
For now, eyes are on third-stringer Case Keenum for their “Monday Night Football” clash against the Eagles.
The 38-year-old journeyman, who recently signed a two-year, $5.5 million extension this offseason, has not played in an NFL regular-season game since 2023 with the Texans.
The Houston product went undrafted in 2012 and has hopped around to various teams around the league throughout his 13 years.
Keenum began his career with the Texans, staying for two seasons before going to the Rams for 2015 and 2016 during their transition from St. Louis to Los Angeles. He also spent time with the Vikings, Broncos, Commanders, Browns and Bills.
His most notable NFL moment came in 2018 when Keenum threw a 61-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs as time expired as the Vikings beat the Saints 29-24 in the “Minneapolis Miracle” during the NFC divisional playoff round.
Keenum played in each of the Bears’ three preseason games, putting up solid performances. His best came against the Browns in a 34-10 victory, throwing 9-for-10 for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
The vibe in Chicago quickly went sour on Sunday when Williams suffered a non-contact hamstring injury that forced him to exit early in the fourth quarter.
Bagent, 26, came in to replace the third-year quarterback and nearly led the Bears to a comeback with only one full offensive drive chance and a minute to go in regulation.
Yet, he couldn’t come through inside the Vikings’ 20-yard line and took a sack on the final play of the divisional matchup.
The Bears have since received good news on Williams, who avoided a major injury and has a chance to play on Monday. Coach Ben Johnson said he would “likely miss time” and Williams could be on “a week-to-week deal.”
