The news that Case Keenum is slated to start isn’t overly surprising. Tyson Bagent spent most of the week in the concussion protocol, returning to practice only on Saturday, just two days before the Bears’ Monday night showdown against the Eagles. Jay Glazer also noted that Bagent could start next week if the team wants to go that direction.
Although Glazer didn’t say it outright, hinting at Bagent for Week 4 strongly implies that regular starter Caleb Williams is already ruled out, despite no formal announcement or move to short-term IR. Keenum hasn’t thrown an NFL pass since 2023, when he filled in for rookie C.J. Stroud, posting a 64.2% completion rate, 5.5 yards per attempt, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum is on standby for ...
The Chicago Bears have re-signed quarterback Case Keenum to...
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (leg) has made the ...
A sigh of relief for Bears fans and fantasy gamers, Tyson Bagent cleared the NFLs concussion protocol and was cleared to practice on Saturday for the Bears final practice session before Monday nights’ game against the Eagles. Bagent is a clear upgrade for the Bears offense.
Per Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT on X, Bagent is the first NFL player to be cleared without going through Steps 4 or 5. Assuming Bagent starts Monday night, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden and Colston Loveland can be started more confidently. If he is inactive on Monday, the 38-year-old Case Keenum will lead the Bears offense. Keenum would be a significant downgrade for the offense.
QB Tyson Bagent suffered a concussion late in the 4th quarter against the Vikings in Week 2. Bagent replaced starting QB Caleb Williams (hamstring) midway through the 4th quarter, completing 5 of 9 pass attempts for 54 yards with a 6.0 YPA.
With Williams likely OUT and Bagent in the concussion protocol, 3rd-string, 38-year-old veteran QB Case Keenum could get the start against the Eagles on Monday night in Week 3. Fantasy football managers will need to temper expectations for all Bears offensive skill players until Williams returns. ~Jason Diaz
It would appear the Bears have dodged a bullet with the Caleb Williams injury, especially given how severe it looked in real time. Tom Pelissero is even reporting the team won’t even rule him out from playing this upcoming Sunday, although this is almost certainly just posturing given that head coach Ben Johnson has publicly said the injury would be a “week to week” situation.
In Williams’ absence, Tyson Bagent will step in at QB1. Bagent held his own in relief duty on Sunday, completing 5-of-9 passes for 54 yards. That included a 21-yard strike to Rome Odunze, followed by an 8 yard pickup to Luther Burden that had Chicago on the doorstep, before a game-ending sack sealed the loss. Assuming Williams is ruled out, Case Keenum will serve as Bears’ QB2 when they face the Eagles on Sunday.
Williams suffered an apparent hamstring injury following a red-zone scramble where he appeared to lose his footing and was unable to leave the field under his own power.
Tyson Bagnet is slated to step into the starting QB role if Caleb Williams misses any game action, with their next matchup being against the Eagles in week 3, although the Bears also have veteran Case Keenum on the roster as their QB3.
Tyson Bagent showcased his 88th-percentile Athleticism Score against Tennessee, completing 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and a 94.1-percent completion rate. His preseason totals—29 completions on 39 attempts for 377 yards and three scores—reinforce the profile of a small-school producer with a 72.8-percent college completion percentage who commands high-efficiency execution.
While Case Keenum offers veteran stability, Bagent’s dynamic output secures his role as the direct backup to Caleb Williams. Bagent has an NFL-starter skillset and would be a frothy waiver wire add in superflex leagues if Williams misses any time in 2026. Bagent is also a very attractive long-term superflex dynasty asset, as he will be a free agent after the 2027 season.
