Case Keenum set to start for Bears against Eagles after Bagent cleared concussion protocol

Chicago’s coaching staff confirmed that Case Keenum will start at quarterback on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, even though backup Tyson Bagent has now been cleared to resume practice. ESPN reported that Bagent passed the league’s concussion protocol earlier today, removing the immediate uncertainty surrounding the Bears’ depth chart.

Despite Bagent’s clearance, the Bears opted to keep Keenum in the starter’s role for the upcoming game. The veteran signal‑caller, who joined Chicago earlier this season, has been the team’s primary passer since the injury to starter Justin Fields. Keenum’s experience, especially in managing games against high‑powered offenses, factored heavily into the decision, according to the team’s offensive coordinator.

The Bears have endured a turbulent quarterback carousel this year. After Fields suffered a season‑ending injury in Week 3, Chicago turned to a mix of rookies and journeymen, including Bagent, who made his first NFL start last month. Keenum, a former Pro Bowl player, was signed to provide stability and has posted a modest passing yardage average while limiting turnovers. His presence is expected to help the Bears maintain offensive rhythm as they chase a playoff berth in a tightly contested NFC North.

Philadelphia enters the contest with a 5‑2 record and a defense that has limited opponents to under 20 points per game. The Eagles will look to exploit Chicago’s secondary, which has struggled against deep routes. A win for the Bears could keep them within striking distance of the division lead, while a loss would widen the gap and intensify pressure on the coaching staff to find a long‑term solution at quarterback.

The NFL’s concussion protocol, a multi‑step evaluation process designed to protect player health, requires any athlete with a suspected head injury to undergo a series of tests before returning to practice. Bagent’s clearance indicates he met all medical benchmarks, but the league’s cautious approach often leads teams to favor seasoned players in high‑stakes games. Keenum’s start illustrates how teams balance health considerations with the need for veteran leadership on the field.