The Chicago Bears are officially without starting quarterback Caleb Williams, who missed practice again Friday with a hamstring issue, making it clear Case Keenum is lining up under center against the Eagles on Monday night. This isn’t just a one-day thing either; Williams was also estimated as a non-participant on Thursday, and when your starting QB isn’t practicing, that’s never good news.
Keenum Steps Up as Williams’ Status Stalls
This whole situation with Williams’ hamstring is definitely a gut punch for fans. Coach Ben Johnson said Williams is “week-to-week,” which is the kind of update that makes you hold your breath. While the injury isn’t believed to be a major one, the lack of practice time pretty much guarantees he’ll miss at least one game before he’s even in a position to think about returning. So, for now, it’s the Case Keenum show against a tough Eagles squad on Monday night. It’s a huge challenge, no doubt, and you just know the pressure is on for Keenum to deliver. Losing your top draft pick QB this early, even if it’s not a serious injury, still rattles a team’s rhythm.
Bears Battling a Growing Injury List
It’s not just Williams and backup Tyson Bagent, who’s also out with a concussion after being a non-participant on Thursday. The Bears are dealing with a bunch of other nicks and bruises. Kicker Cairo Santos is out with a hip issue, and offensive lineman Joe Thuney also sat out Friday’s practice for rest. On the limited side, linebacker Noah Sewell is nursing an Achilles, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has a hamstring problem, and defensive lineman Shemar Turner is dealing with a knee injury. It’s a lot to manage. Thankfully, defensive lineman Grady Jarrett (rest) and running back Kyle Monangai (knee) were full participants, so at least there’s some good news on the health front.
Heading into Monday night, the Bears are facing a tough test without their rookie signal-caller. Keenum has to be sharp, and the rest of the team needs to step up big to cover for these injuries. Every snap against the Eagles will be massive, and fans will be glued to their screens, hoping Williams’ “week-to-week” turns into “back on the field” fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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