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Case Keenum made his first start in 1009 days
Despite being 38 years old and the Bears’ third-string quarterback, Case Keenum stepped into Chicago’s lineup without missing a beat. Keenum’s play has resparked a debate about the overall quality of QB play in the NFL.
Keenum got the start after Caleb Williams went down with a hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent was stuck in concussion protocol until Sunday.
It was his first regular-season start since 2023, and he finished 24-of-34 for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a 1-yard rushing score in Chicago’s 27-7 win.
Case Keenum’s performance against the Philadelphia Eagles has reignited a debate about the NFL’s QBs
Keenum’s performance — similar to Philip Rivers’ brief return to the league last year — ignited a discussion about the current level of quarterback play in the NFL and if it’s getting worse.
Case Keenum is a somber reminder that QBs used to be really smart
— Joe (@JoeA_NFL) September 29, 2026
That Phillip Rivers business was cute and funny but we need to declare a Quarterback Play National State of Emergency if Case Keenum is doing this
— WBR (@W_B_Rick) September 29, 2026
Case Keenum with the hard count to get the Eagles to jump off sides on 4th down
This is an absolute clinic of old man quarterbacking
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2026
Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Nick Foles also weighed in, saying there are plenty of young signal-callers in the league that can learn from Keenum’s performance.
My friend Case Keenum is playing lights out tonight; he looks unreal. He is getting the ball out quickly and accurately, even when under pressure.
There are several QBs around the league who are struggling and should watch how Case Keenum is playing tonight. He is on time, in…
— Nick Foles (@NickFoles) September 29, 2026
“I thought he did an extraordinary job,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. “He knows where everyone’s supposed to be on every single play.”
While Williams is set to be sidelined for another few weeks, second-stringer Tyson Bagent will likely clear the concussion protocol ahead of the weekend and start for the Bears when they host the New York Jets.