Overview
- The decision, announced Sept. 26, leaves Case Keenum as the presumptive starter with practice-squad rookie Miller Moss elevated as the primary backup.
- Caleb Williams is sidelined week-to-week with a hamstring strain and Tyson Bagent has not practiced while in concussion protocol, reducing the Bears to two available healthy passers.
- Coaches defended the plan by arguing a last-minute veteran would get few practice reps and little schematic familiarity, so keeping roster spots open preserves flexibility.
- Offensive coordinator Press Taylor confirmed the staff has identified position players such as Roschon Johnson, Cole Kmet and Rome Odunze as emergency passers if QB depth collapses.
- The choice reflects a broader early-season wave of NFL QB injuries and creates a low-cost gamble: it avoids burning a 53-man spot now but raises the risk of thin game-day options if Keenum or Moss struggles or is injured.