The Chicago Bears have not officially named Case Keenum the starter for Monday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the veteran quarterback remains ready to step in if necessary.
This week, Keenum was the only quarterback on the active roster to participate in practice on Wednesday, as both Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion protocol) remain sidelined. Undrafted rookie Miller Moss, currently on the practice squad, worked in as the backup during those sessions.
Keenum has started 66 games in his career, but none since December 24, 2023, when he faced the Cleveland Browns—that also marked his final game action to date.
“I feel very prepared,” Keenum stated 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.”
At 38 years old, Keenum has suited up for eight different NFL franchises since entering the league in 2012. Notably, he holds a 3-0 record as a starter against Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Throughout his career, Keenum has thrown for 15,175 yards and 79 touchdowns.
Head coach Ben Johnson, previously the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, has never before called plays for a backup quarterback, and both Jared Goff and Caleb Williams entered the NFL as No. 1 overall selections. In contrast, Keenum joined the league as an undrafted free agent—but his extensive experience speaks volumes.
“He’s been a baller from the day he was born, from what I can tell,” Johnson remarked. “He’s got that way about him. He’s got a knack. His teammates gravitate toward him. I think that’s a solid foundation for a quarterback. Of course, he’s up there in years a bit, but that experience has really paid dividends for him. He sees the game much like we do. I believe he accelerates through his progressions because he’s witnessed so many situations over the course of his career. He’s been part of numerous offensive systems.”
“In many ways, he might be slightly slower than when he first entered the league, yet his mind is processing information so quickly it helps close the gap. Honestly, he’s playing as well as he has in his entire career—that’s what he’d tell you.”
