Bears May Turn to Case Keenum as Caleb Williams Injury Clouds Week 3
Caleb Williams is week-to-week with a hamstring strain, and backup Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol. That could force the Bears to start Case Keenum against the Eagles on Monday night. Keenum hasn't thrown a regular-season pass since 2023.
Williams’ injury occurred during a scramble in the loss to Minnesota, forcing him off the field on a cart. An MRI on Monday cleared him of a tear or structural knee damage, leaving a hamstring strain and a week-to-week designation. The team has not ruled him out for the Monday night contest in Philadelphia.
Bagent’s concussion protocol complicates the depth chart. If both are unavailable, Keenum would step in. His last regular-season pass came in December 2023, when he started two games for Houston, including an overtime win over Tennessee and a loss to Cleveland with two interceptions.
The Bears’ quarterback uncertainty could reshape the team’s early-season momentum, potentially affecting fan confidence and the competitive balance of the NFC North. For the league, it underscores how quickly a franchise’s fortunes can hinge on injury depth. It may also influence fantasy football decisions and national media narratives, though the long-term impact on Williams’ development remains the most significant concern for Chicago.