# QB shuffle challenge for Bears coach

> Bears coach Ben Johnson faces QB uncertainty as Case Keenum practices alone.
- Title: QB shuffle challenge for Bears coach · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Bears coach Ben Johnson faces QB uncertainty as Case Keenum practices alone. Bears coach Ben Johnson must decide between Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent for…
- Keywords: bears, case keenum, tyson bagent, ben johnson, nfl, preseason, news, local, shuffle, challenge, coach, Chicago Sun-Times
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/09/23/case-keenum-the-only-active-bears-qb-to-practice-wednesday
- Published: 2026-09-23T23:16:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bears, case keenum, tyson bagent, ben johnson, nfl, qb, preseason, news, local
## QB shuffle challenge
Bears coach Ben Johnson faces uncharted territory with no experience starting backup quarterbacks.

> Not sure who the starter is going to be Monday night
## Keenum the only active QB practicing
Case Keenum, 38, the only active quarterback on the Bears' 53-man roster to practice Wednesday.
## Bagent in concussion protocol
Second-stringer Tyson Bagent entered NFL concussion protocol after replacing starter Caleb Williams in Sunday's loss.
## Williams week-to-week status
Caleb Williams, who pulled his hamstring, is listed as week-to-week for Monday's game.

> week-to-week
## Keenum's career stats
Keenum has started 66 career games but hasn't thrown a pass in a regular-season game since 2023.
## Keenum's preseason performance
Keenum posted a 107.7 passer rating with 25-for-40 for 354 yards and two touchdowns in preseason.
## Keenum's role with Bears
Keenum signed with Bears in 2025 to mentor Williams and Bagent, trying to mimic Williams' playing style.
## Johnson's confidence in Keenum
Johnson says Keenum is prepared and has the experience to handle Monday's game.

> I feel very prepared
## Keenum's college success
Keenum was the leading passer in NCAA history with 19,217 yards and 155 touchdowns when he left Houston.
## Johnson's QB strategy
Johnson plans to lean on a run game that leads the NFL with 212 yards per game.
## Practice concerns
Kyle Monangai wasn't spotted during Wednesday's media portion of practice.
## Johnson's team approach
Johnson emphasizes that the team's success depends on multiple players supporting the quarterback.
## Monday game decision
Johnson must choose between Keenum and Bagent for Monday's game against the Jets.
## QB shuffle consequence
Bears face uncertainty as Keenum becomes the fourth-oldest player to go under center this year.
## Key takeaway

Bears coach Ben Johnson must decide between Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent for Monday's game after Keenum is the only active QB practicing.