Bears QB Crisis: Ben Johnson Unsure Who Starts Monday Night vs Eagles

As the NFL season charges into Week 3, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a precarious situation under center. With both starter Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent sidelined by injuries, head coach Ben Johnson admitted on Wednesday that the team is uncertain who will start at quarterback when they host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. The revelation came during Johnson’s press conference, where he addressed the mounting concerns surrounding the most important position on the field. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Bears are preparing for multiple contingencies as they navigate this unexpected crisis.

Injury Woes Create Uncertainty

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s game, leaving his availability for Week 3 in doubt. Then, on Tuesday, Bagent was placed in the concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms, further depleting the depth chart. That leaves veteran Case Keenum, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2023, as the likely starter. However, Johnson stopped short of naming Keenum the starter, emphasizing that the situation remains fluid. “We’ve got three guys that can play ball in this league, that have won games in this league,” Johnson said, praising general manager Ryan Poles for assembling a competitive quarterback room. “And so, we’re at a point right now [where we’re] not sure who the starter’s going to be on Monday night. We’ll let this thing play out and we’ll go from there.”

Keenum Ready to Step Up

While Keenum may not have seen regular-season action in over two years, his experience and leadership have impressed the coaching staff. Johnson noted that Keenum’s presence in the quarterback room is akin to having another coach on the field. “He’s at the point of his career where he’s like another coach in a lot of ways,” Johnson said. “He’s seen a ton. He knows what good football looks like. He knows what a healthy locker room looks like, and he’s a key part of what we do.” The 38-year-old Keenum, who has started 66 games in his NFL career, brings a calm veteran presence that could steady the ship against a formidable Eagles defense. As highlighted on Vulius, Keenum’s familiarity with offensive coordinator’s system from their time together in preseason has given the coaching staff confidence in his ability to execute the game plan.

Williams and Bagent Progressing

While Williams is not slated to practice on Wednesday, he was present for the walk-through, which Johnson described as a positive sign. There remains an outside chance that the rookie could recover in time for Monday night, but the team is not rushing his return. Bagent, meanwhile, is away from the facility as he navigates the early stages of the concussion protocol. “I got a text yesterday morning that he was going to get evaluated for concussion symptoms and he’s been placed in the protocol,” Johnson said. “They’ll let me know when he’s available again. That’s all I really care about.” The Bears have not added another quarterback to the roster, signaling confidence in the three players currently available.

Preparing for the Eagles

Despite the uncertainty, Johnson remains focused on getting his team ready for a tough primetime matchup against the Eagles. He mentioned that he has been in constant communication with all three quarterbacks, ensuring they are prepared for any scenario. “I sent those guys the plan that we had as of last night. We’re working through it,” Johnson said. “It’s good — Caleb’s out there in walk-through, he’s actively involved as well. So, it’s been good dialogue with all those guys, just making sure we’re accounting for any issues that could come up in this game, and we have sound ball plays so we can go out there and play fast.” The Bears will release their first injury report of the week on Thursday, which should provide more clarity on the status of Williams and Bagent.

Fantasy and Betting Implications

From a fantasy football perspective, the Bears’ quarterback situation is one to monitor closely. Keenum would be a risky streaming option if he starts, but his experience could lead to decent production against an Eagles defense that has been vulnerable at times. The uncertainty also affects the value of Chicago’s skill-position players, as a stable quarterback situation is crucial for their success. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, bettors should keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to Monday night, as the starting quarterback could significantly impact the point spread and over/under.

Looking Ahead

The Bears are set to host the Eagles on Monday Night Football, a game that could have major implications for their early-season momentum. With the quarterback position in flux, Chicago will rely on its depth and preparation to overcome adversity. For fans looking to support their team, Vulius offers official custom NFL merchandise, including jerseys and apparel for all players. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates on this developing story.