RADIO
Case Keenum in Line for Backup Duties Despite Sterling Start?
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum is not guaranteed to start in this Sunday's matchup against the visiting New York Jets. The 38-year-old was called into action in Week 3 after backup Tyson Bagent couldn't clear concussion protocol in time to work in stead of starter Caleb Williams (hamstring). Keenum was darn-near electric in Chicago's 27-7 victory over the Eagles, and all indications pointed to him getting the nod again in Week 4. However, head coach Ben Johnson has kept his quarterback decision for the team's clash with New York close to the vest. It's likely just a bit of gamesmanship from Johnson, but, notably, Bagent worked with the starting offense during practice this week. If he's active, Keenum will get a Jets defense that's been stingy against the pass, allowing the opposition a measly 171 yards per game. The veteran is a fringe QB2 after a promising first outing, landing officially as RotoBaller's QB25 as we approach the season's quarter mark.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Caleb Williams Has Been Ruled Out for Week 4
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 4's matchup against the New York Jets. Williams suffered a hamstring strain in Week 2's loss to the Minnesota Vikings and will now miss his second straight game. In two games this season, Williams has completed 36 of 55 passes for 407 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, and has added 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. With Williams out, the team has not yet announced who will start in Week 4, though both Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum are healthy. While there is no timeline for Williams' return, their Week 5 game against their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, could be a possible return date.
Source: Brad Biggs
Source: Brad Biggs
Tyson Bagent Appears in Line for Week 4 Start
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent appears to be in line to start Sunday against the New York Jets. ProFootballTalk reports that Bagent, rather than Case Keenum, has been getting the first-team quarterback reps this week while head coach Ben Johnson keeps his plans under wraps. Bagent cleared concussion protocol before Monday night's win over Philadelphia but served as the backup while Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and has not practiced this week. Chicago hasn't officially named a starter yet, but the practice reps are pointing toward Bagent getting the call in Week 4.
Source: ProFootballTalk
Source: ProFootballTalk
Caleb Williams Won't Practice in Wednesday's Walkthrough
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) will not be at the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, head coach Ben Johnson told Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, but he is "getting better every single day." With Williams trending towards missing a second straight game due to a hamstring strain that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, Johnson has yet to publicly name a starting QB for the Week 4 game against the visiting New York Jets. Fantasy managers should not be expecting Williams to return this weekend. Veteran third-stringer Case Keenum made the start for the Bears on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles and defied expectations, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-7 win. If Williams is ruled out again this week, which is expected, it seems likely that Johnson would stick with Keenum after his strong performance over Tyson Bagent, who was in the concussion protocol last week. Williams should remain stashed in all fantasy football formats.
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
Ben Johnson Non-Committal on QB Situation Entering Week 4
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson did not say much about the team's quarterback situation heading into Week 4 against the New York Jets when he was asked about it on Tuesday on ESPN 1000, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. "We'll see how it plays out all week," Johnson said. Starting QB Caleb Williams suffered a strained hamstring late in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and was ruled out for the Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles. With backup Tyson Bagent in the league's concussion protocol for most of the week, veteran third-stringer Case Keenum ended up making the start for Chicago in Week 3. The 38-year-old turned back the clock to stun the Eagles in a 27-7 win, in which he went 24-for-34 passing for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Keenum added a one-yard rushing score for good measure. It was an unexpectedly strong performance, but if Williams needs another week to recover, it seems likely that Johnson will give Keenum another start in Chicago this Sunday versus the Jets.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Case Keenum Can Be an Emergency Option from the Waiver Wire
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum showed he can still be a productive option for the Bears by stepping in on Monday and leading the team to a 27-7 win over the Eagles. Keenum threw for 247 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, and he ran for a third score on four carries for six yards. The 38-year-old was a solid fantasy option in this game, but it isn't clear if he'll get another start now that Tyson Bagent will have a full week of preparation after clearing the NFL Concussion Protocol. Whoever starts will be in a tough matchup against Aaron Glenn's New York Jets defense. Keenum would be a low-end QB2 if he gets another start, so watch the situation closely to see what quarterback coach Ben Johnson turns to in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyson Bagent Clears Concussion Protocol Ahead of Monday Night
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (concussion) has cleared the league's concussion protocol and no longer carries a game status designation for Monday night's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. He will not start, though. Case Keenum is getting the nod with Caleb Williams (hamstring) ruled out. Bagent missed Chicago's first two practices while in the protocol before returning as a full participant Saturday, and the missed preparation played a part in the Bears' decision to go with Keenum. Bagent relieved Williams late in last week's 9-3 loss to Minnesota and completed five of nine passes for 54 yards. He'll be available behind Keenum on Monday, so Chicago does at least have Bagent ready if it needs to make a change at quarterback during the game.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
Case Keenum Expected to Start Against Eagles
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum is expected to start Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Jay Glazer, as relayed by Harrison Graham. Caleb Williams (hamstring) has already been ruled out, while Tyson Bagent cleared the concussion protocol and returned to practice Saturday. Despite Bagent being available, he will reportedly serve as Keenum's backup. The 38-year-old Keenum has not played in a regular-season game since 2023, when he made two starts for Houston and completed 34 of 53 passes for 291 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Monday would mark the 67th regular-season start of his career. Keenum is only a desperation option in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues after such a long layoff, while the change under center adds some uncertainty for Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Chicago's passing game against Philadelphia.
Source: Harrison Graham
Source: Harrison Graham
Caleb Williams Out 3-4 Weeks With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Schefter also reports that the former No. 1 overall pick is expected to miss three to four weeks. Williams exited early last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, and it turns out the injury will sideline him through mid-October, at the earliest. That's tough news for fantasy managers to swallow, but at least it sounds like he'll be able to avoid a stint on injured reserve. Williams is a mid-range fantasy QB1 when healthy, as evidenced by an electric Week 1 performance in which he racked up 269 passing yards, 65 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. As long as Williams remains sidelined, we'd expect to see the Bears start Tyson Bagent (concussion) at quarterback if healthy, or Case Keenum, either of which will lower the fantasy ceiling and floor for players like Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Case Keenum a Fantasy No-Go if Active
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum is on standby for this Monday night's outing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Keenum hasn't had a chance to play in-game since the latter part of the 2023 season, but he could be thrust into action in Week 3 after injuries to both Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion). As it stands, Bagent has a shot to play on Monday, but he still needs to be symptom-free for a few days before he can be designated active. If he can't get there, Keenum will lead Chicago's offense against an Eagles squad that's been tough to beat through the air. The Bears can find success on the ground against the unit, but fantasy managers can steer clear of this QB room until Williams is back and ready to roll. The 38-year-old journeyman slots in as RotoBaller's QB33 for the weekend ahead.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyson Bagent a Desperation QB2 if Active on Monday
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (concussion) is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bagent relieved starter Caleb Williams (hamstring) midway through the fourth quarter of last Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after the latter left with what appeared to be a serious injury. Fortunately, Williams isn't projected to be out for long, but Bagent isn't guaranteed a start on Monday either, as he picked up a concussion during his stint in the game. Despite clearing protocol, the 26-year-old still has a hurdle or two to clear before being deemed active for the home matchup. If he can't go, veteran Case Keenum will call plays for Chicago. If he can, Bagent still wouldn't be a recommended option for fantasy - even in superflex/2QB formats. The former undrafted free agent is RotoBaller's QB28 if active for Monday's clash.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyson Bagent Still Working Through Concussion Protocol
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (concussion) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against Philadelphia. Bagent returned to practice Saturday as a full participant after missing Thursday and Friday, but he has not yet fully cleared the league's concussion protocol. He must remain symptom-free after practice before that process is complete. Caleb Williams has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury, leaving Case Keenum in line to start if Bagent is not cleared. Bagent replaced Williams late in last week's loss to Minnesota and completed five of nine passes for 54 yards before entering the protocol himself. Saturday's return is encouraging, but his status will still need to be settled before Monday night.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
Caleb Williams Ruled Out for Monday Night
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday night's game against Philadelphia. Williams injured his right hamstring on a scramble during the fourth quarter of last week's 9-3 loss to Minnesota and did not practice Thursday or Friday. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one interception before leaving, adding 42 yards on five carries. This will be the first game Williams has missed since Chicago selected him first overall in 2024. Tyson Bagent is questionable while working through the concussion protocol, so the Bears haven't completely settled the quarterback situation behind Williams yet. If Bagent isn't cleared, veteran Case Keenum would get the start against the Eagles.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
Tyson Bagent Clears the Concussion Protocol
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that quarterback Tyson Bagent (concussion) has been cleared from the league's concussion protocol, according to Phillip Thompson of The Chicago Tribune. Bagent will be back at practice on Saturday for the first time this week, but it remains to be seen if he will get the green light to start on Monday night in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bagent was forced into action in the fourth quarter of the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings after Caleb Williams injured his hamstring. Williams will not practice at all this week and is expected to be ruled out for Monday's game on Saturday, so if Bagent is not cleared, it will be third-stringer Case Keenum making the start against Philadelphia. The 26-year-old Bagent only went 5-for-9 for 54 yards without a touchdown or interception in Week 2. If he makes the start against the Eagles, it will be only his fifth NFL start, with his first four starts coming in his rookie campaign in 2023 in Chicago. Even fantasy managers who are desperate in two-QB superflex leagues can probably avoid either Bagent or Keenum on Monday night.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Phillip Thompson
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Phillip Thompson
Caleb Williams Absent From Friday's Practice
Chicago Bears quarterbacks Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion) both missed practice on Friday for the second straight day this week, according to the team. Williams suffered a right-hamstring injury late in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and is not expected to play this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. The Bears could be down to third-string signal-caller Case Keenum on Monday, too, with Bagent yet to practice this week due to a concussion. The odds of Bagent being cleared from the league's concussion protocol at this point do not look good. Fantasy managers should have Williams on the bench and should consider him questionable for the Week 4 contest next Sunday, Oct. 4, against the New York Jets. With Keenum potentially starting for the Bears on Monday night, fantasy managers are going to need to downgrade all of Chicago's offensive skill players with Williams likely out.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
