Bears' Quarterback Picture Muddled as Keenum Takes Practice Reps

Bears' Quarterback Picture Muddled as Keenum Takes Practice Reps

Case Keenum practiced with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday and appears positioned to start at quarterback Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, with rookie starter Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent both sidelined by uncertainty over their availability. The 38-year-old Keenum hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since Dec. 24, 2023, but he is currently the healthiest option on Chicago's depth chart.

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, left Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a right hamstring injury sustained on a fourth-quarter scramble. He has not been ruled out for the Eagles game, but his mobility is central to his playing style, and the Bears are expected to proceed cautiously with their franchise quarterback. Bagent, who went 5 for 9 for 54 yards after replacing Williams and was sacked by Dallas Turner on the game's final play, was set to make his fifth career start before entering the concussion protocol. Coach Ben Johnson said he learned of Bagent's evaluation Tuesday morning and has no timeline for his return, adding that he is not involved in that process and will be informed when Bagent is available. water polo betting odds

Chicago opened the season with a 59-37 win at the Carolina Panthers. The team also carries rookie Miller Moss on its practice squad but has no plans to add another quarterback this week. Johnson said the club has not settled on a starter for Monday and will let the situation "play out."

Johnson framed the quarterback uncertainty as a chance for the roster to prove itself, saying the team relishes being written off by outsiders and expects players who aren't usually in the spotlight to step up. Chicago's decision on a starter is expected to firm up as the week progresses toward Monday night's game against Philadelphia.