Caleb Williams' hamstring injury may force Ben Johnson's first backup QB start
The short version
- Caleb Williams has a hamstring injury that puts his Week 3 availability vs. Philadelphia in doubt
- Backup Tyson Bagent is also injured, making Case Keenum the likely starter
- Analyst Chase Daniel says Ben Johnson has never coached a backup QB in his career
- Johnson's starters, Jared Goff and Williams, were both No. 1 overall picks
- Keenum last played in a game in 2023 with the Houston Texans
Chase Daniel says the Bears coach has never coached a game without a former No. 1 overall pick as his starter.
The Chicago Bears may be without quarterback Caleb Williams when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 because of a hamstring injury. If he cannot play, veteran Case Keenum is in line to start, since Tyson Bagent, the other backup, is also hurt.
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Chase Daniel pointed out an unusual wrinkle in the situation. According to Daniel, head coach Ben Johnson has never coached a backup quarterback at any point in his career, and every starter he has had was selected first overall in the draft.
Johnson served as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator beginning in 2023, when Jared Goff held the job. Goff, the top pick in 2016, did not miss a game during that stretch. Williams stayed healthy for all of Chicago's games after Johnson took over as head coach as well.
Keenum has remained on NFL rosters in recent years but has not appeared in a game since 2023, when he played for the Houston Texans.
The Bears entered 2025 with high hopes after reaching the Divisional Round, but the season has hit early turbulence. The matchup with the Eagles carries weight in a competitive NFC North race.