Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been ruled out of Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a right hamstring injury, clearing the way for Case Keenum to start or backup Tyson Bagent to play at Soldier Field.
The Bears head into a high-profile Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles facing a major shift under center. Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Having started every game of his professional career up to this point, Williams did not practice during the week and is considered week-to-week by the team.
His absence leaves head coach Ben Johnson with a choice between veteran Case Keenum and recently cleared backup Tyson Bagent. The situation forced a late adjustment in Chicago’s game-day preparations as the team looks to rebound from its divisional stumble.
Tyson Bagent Clears Concussion Protocol After Vikings Game
While Williams recovers from his hamstring strain, the quarterback room received some positive news regarding its primary backup. Bagent suffered a concussion after entering the game against Minnesota, forcing him to sit out practice sessions on Wednesday and Friday. However, the fourth-year pro returned to the practice field in full capacity on Saturday and officially cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol on Sunday, removing any injury designation for Monday night.
In his brief relief appearance against the Vikings, Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards before taking a sack from Dallas Turner on the final play of the game. Johnson acknowledged the distinct qualities each available quarterback brings to the field as the coaching staff weighed their options leading up to kickoff.
“There’s a different skill set, obviously… One guy’s a little bit more mobile than the other, and yet both are very cerebral players. I know they’ll be mentally prepared for the game, and we’ll see what it looks like. But there’s a reason why Tyson was the backup as we ended camp, and we felt good about who he is as a player and what he can bring to the table to this offense.”
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears coach
Case Keenum Steps In For His First Start Since 2023
The decision to start Case Keenum hands the veteran signal-caller his first regular-season action in almost three years. Keenum last started during the 2023 campaign for the Houston Texans, appearing in a 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 24, 2023. Now in his 14th NFL season, the 38-year-old quarterback signed with Chicago in April 2025.
Speaking to reporters, Keenum revealed that he had planned to retire last year before a conversation with Johnson convinced him to join the Bears. He expressed deep admiration for his coach, noting that Johnson is going to go down as probably the best play caller, play designer, coach, all of the above when it’s all said and done
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Offensive Strategy and Supporting Cast Against Philadelphia
Regardless of how snaps shake out between Keenum and Bagent, the offense will lean heavily on a balanced game plan. The Eagles boast a defense ranked fifth against the pass through the first two weeks of the season, prompting analysts to suggest a heavy dose of the ground game. The Chicago rushing attack enters Week 3 sporting the top rushing offense, which should provide room for running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai to test Philadelphia’s 23rd-ranked run defense.
In the passing game, whoever lines up under center will target a familiar group of playmakers, including tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, along with wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Former Bears player Israel Idonije noted that the veteran quarterback’s primary objective is simplicity and game control.
He can’t go out there and try to be Caleb Williams. You know, he’s a journeyman; he’s talented.
Israel Idonije, former Chicago Bears player
Health Updates on Key Roster Contributors
Beyond the quarterback position, the Bears avoided further long-term absences as several key players cleared up their respective injury concerns ahead of the contest. Running back Kyle Monangai, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and kicker Cairo Santos all carry no injury designations into Monday night.
Santos addressed reporters regarding the soreness in his right hip that stemmed from kicking heavy, wet footballs against Minnesota. He expressed gratitude toward the coaching staff for managing his workload during the week.
“It didn’t feel like an injury like last year, It was just soreness, and a couple days later, it cleared up. They let me rest until my next kicking day, which was today, and everything went well, so looking forward to Monday.”
Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears kicker
Stevenson also proved his durability after exiting the Vikings game with a hamstring issue, managing a full practice schedule that surpassed initial team expectations.
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