Case Keenum Hyped by Bears HC Ben Johnson After Win vs. Eagles Amid Caleb Williams, Bagent Injuries

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson showered third-string quarterback Case Keenum with praise after he led the Bears to a 27-7 home win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

Speaking to reporters after the Bears' thoroughly dominant performance, Johnson said, "It's all about Case Keenum and what he was able to do here tonight. I thought he did an extraordinary job."

Keenum was given the game ball by Johnson, with the quarterback giving an emotional speech to the team (1:42 mark of the video):

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Seeing his first game action since 2023, Keenum didn't show any signs of rust, as he completed 24 of his 34 pass attempts for 247 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for six yards and a score.

The rushing touchdown was perhaps the most surprising aspect of Keenum's night, as he hadn't had one of those since 2019.

Johnson joked with reporters, noting that he had previous experience calling offensive plays for quarterbacks who aren't necessarily fleet of foot, which was an obvious reference to Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions:

Multiple dominoes had to fall in order for Keenum to have the opportunity to start, and that is exactly what happened dating back to last week.

Franchise quarterback Caleb Williams injured his hamstring during the Bears' loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week, meaning backup Tyson Bagent was the next man up.

However, Bagent spent the week in concussion protocol and was only able to log one practice , so he dressed as the backup to Keenum.

The 38-year-old Keenum has extensive starting experience, going 31-36 in 67 career regular-season starts, while also making two playoff starts, but it was fair to wonder how he would fare after not playing any meaningful snaps in nearly three years.

Keenum was up for the challenge, though, and he may have played himself into position to continue starting until Williams is healthy enough to return.