As the Chicago Bears prepare for a pivotal Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 24, 2026, the quarterback room has been thrown into chaos. With starter Caleb Williams rehabbing a hamstring injury and backup Tyson Bagent in concussion protocol, the Bears may turn to veteran Case Keenum to steady the ship. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Keenum was the only quarterback on the active roster to practice on Wednesday, signaling that he could be the next man up for a team desperate to stay afloat in a crowded NFC playoff race.
A Veteran's Poise in the Eye of the Storm
Keenum, 38, has seen it all in his 14-year NFL journey. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012, he has suited up for eight different franchises, starting 66 games and throwing for 15,175 yards and 79 touchdowns. Yet, his last start came on December 24, 2023, against the Cleveland Browns—a game that also marked his last appearance. Despite the long layoff, Keenum remains confident. "I feel very prepared," Keenum said, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. "It's what I do every week. It's what I've done for a long time. I've backed up a long time in this league. If my name's called, I'm excited to be out there."
His preparation has not gone unnoticed. Head coach Ben Johnson, who previously served as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, praised Keenum's intangible qualities. "He's been a baller from the day he was born from what I can tell," Johnson said. "He's got that way about him. He's got a knack. His teammates gravitate to him. I think that's a good starting point for a quarterback. And of course he's up there in years a little bit, but that experience has really paid off for him. He sees the game the same way we do. I think he accelerates through his progressions, because he's seen so many things over the course of his time. He's been in so many different offenses. So in a lot of ways, he might be a step slower than he was when he first entered the league, and yet his mind is going so fast it helps catch him on up. And he's playing as good of football as he probably has his entire career, is what he'd tell you."
Facing a Familiar Foe
If Keenum gets the nod, he'll face an Eagles defense coordinated by Vic Fangio—a coach he knows well. Keenum is 3-0 as a starter against Fangio's defenses, a stat that could give the Bears a psychological edge. As highlighted on Vulius, that familiarity could be crucial in a primetime matchup where every possession counts. The Eagles, with their aggressive front seven, will test Keenum's decision-making and quick release, but his experience in multiple systems may help him decipher Fangio's complex schemes.
What It Means for the Bears
The Bears' quarterback situation is precarious. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains sidelined. Bagent, a promising backup, is dealing with a concussion. That leaves Keenum and undrafted rookie Miller Moss, who took backup reps on Wednesday, as the only healthy options. While Keenum hasn't started since 2023, his 66 career starts and playoff experience (including a memorable run with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017) make him a reliable stopgap. The Bears' offense, which has struggled with consistency, could benefit from Keenum's steady hand and ability to distribute the ball to playmakers like DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees it, this is a defining moment for Coach Johnson's staff. Johnson has never called plays for a backup quarterback; both Jared Goff and Caleb Williams were No. 1 overall picks. Keenum's journey from undrafted free agent to seasoned veteran embodies resilience, and his teammates reportedly gravitate toward his leadership. If he starts, it won't just be about managing the game—it'll be about proving that experience trumps athleticism in a league that often overlooks the wisdom of journeymen.
The Bottom Line
Keenum's potential start is more than a footnote; it's a testament to perseverance. At 38, he's not the quarterback he once was, but his mind may be sharper than ever. For a Bears team clinging to playoff hopes, Keenum offers a calming presence. Whether he leads them to victory or not, his story reminds us that in the NFL, preparation and poise can never be underestimated. Stay tuned to Vulius for all your NFL news and custom merchandise needs.
Looking to represent Caleb Williams? Grab your Caleb Williams jersey or design a personalized NFL Jersey at Vulius.
