# Ben Johnson's untested backup QB challenge

> The Bears coach has never called plays for anyone but a first-overall pick, and now he might have to start a 38-year-old.
- Title: Ben Johnson's untested backup QB challenge · CBS Sports
- Summary: The Bears coach has never called plays for anyone but a first-overall pick, and now he might have to start a 38-year-old. Ben Johnson is about to face his…
- Keywords: ben johnson, chicago bears, caleb williams, case keenum, tyson bagent, nfl, quarterback injury, backup quarterback, philadelphia eagles, week 3, sports, Ben
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/ben-johnson-qb-challenge-never-encountered-in-coaching-career-bears
- Published: 2026-09-23T18:14:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ben johnson, chicago bears, caleb williams, case keenum, tyson bagent, nfl, quarterback injury, backup quarterback, philadelphia eagles, week 3, sports
## Williams injured in Vikings game
Caleb Williams suffered a lower-body hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of Chicago's Week 2 loss to Minnesota. He'll miss time, including Monday's game against Philadelphia.
## Backup QB also sidelined
Second-string quarterback Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol, leaving 38-year-old Case Keenum as the likely starter for Week 3.
## Johnson's unprecedented situation
Ben Johnson has never called plays for a backup quarterback forced to start, and he's never called plays for any starting QB not selected first overall in the draft.
## Perfect record with elite QBs
Caleb Williams started all 17 games last season under Johnson. Before that, Jared Goff never missed a start during Johnson's three years as Detroit's offensive coordinator.
## Bears lean on rushing attack
Chicago leads the league with 212.5 rushing yards per game. The Eagles rank ninth-worst in run defense at 127.0 yards allowed, making the ground game critical for Johnson's game plan.
## Chance to prove coaching mettle
Johnson can establish himself as a young coaching star by winning a primetime game with a backup quarterback after Chicago's recent struggles at home.
## Key takeaway

Ben Johnson is about to face his first experience as a play-caller without an elite starting quarterback, a situation that has never happened in his NFL coaching career.