Bears’ Case Keenum gets full Ben Johnson endorsement before potential Week 3 start

First, Caleb Williams went down with a hamstring strain. Then, Tyson Bagent suffered a concussion Now, third-stringer Case Keenum is in line to start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears in Week 3.

Nothing is yet set in stone, as head coach Ben Johnson has yet to even officially rule out Williams. But he seems like an extreme longshot to play, while Bagent must clear all phases of the NFL’s concussion protocol. At the very least, Keenum will prepare as if he is starting against the Philadelphia Eagles.

If he does, it’ll be Keenum’s first NFL start since 2023. He went 1-1 as a member of the Houston Texans. Keenum has 66 starts over his entire 11-year NFL career, going 30-36. Through 80 total games, the quarterback has thrown for 15,175 yards, 79 touchdowns and 51 interceptions.

Keenum’s experience will be crucial if he does end up starting in Week 3. He certainly can’t do what Williams can on the gridiron, but Johnson remains confident in the quarterback.

Bears’ Ben Johnson has full confidence in Case Keenum 

Whoever is starting at QB, Johnson said not a lot will change in how the Bears gameplan on offense. Of course, Williams provides plenty of offense on his own. The head coach acknowledged that Chicago’s supporting cast will have to take a significant step forward in Week 3.

Under center, Johnson isn’t pushing the panic button. This wouldn’t be the first time Keenum has been thrust into a start. The head coach is prepared to continue dialing up his high octane offense, via Johnson’s Wednesday press conference.

“I’ve called a lot of practices for him,” Johnson said. “I’ve called a lot of preseason games for him so far. He’s at the point in his career where he’s like another coach in a lot of ways. He’s seen a lot, he knows a ton, what good football looks like. He’s a key part of what we do. He and I talk on a regular basis. I’m not concerned about calling the game for him or how he could potentially play.”

Even though Keenum was never expected to see the field in 2026, the pressure will still be on should he draw the start. The Bears still have their eyes on a deep playoff run. Keenum will at least be confident knowing his head coach fully has his back.

The post Bears’ Case Keenum gets full Ben Johnson endorsement before potential Week 3 start appeared first on ChiCitySports.