The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0, and an old friend could help them stay on top of the NFC North. Case Keenum is wearing a Chicago Bears uniform these days, but the former Vikings hero could still do Minnesota a favor.
Keenum starred in the Bears’ 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, completing 24-of-34 passes for 247 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The performance came in relief of Caleb Williams, but also backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who suffered a concussion on the final play of the Vikings’ 9-3 victory over the Bears in Week 2.
The Bears will give Williams the starting job back when he recovers from a Grade 2 hamstring strain. But he still could be out another 1 to 3 weeks. While Bagent was second on the depth chart before the injury, Keenum has sparked a debate and given the former Vikings hero another shot at glory.
Former Minnesota Vikings QB Case Keenum shined in emergency duty on MNF
Keenum stirred some feelings up for Vikings fans watching the game on Monday night. Signed as Sam Bradford's backup in 2017, Keenum was thrust into action when Bradford’s degenerative knee condition flared up after a Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
From there, the Vikings caught lightning in a bottle as Keenum went 11-3 as a starter, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. But his most memorable moment came in the divisional round of the playoffs when he hit Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard touchdown pass as time expired to beat the New Orleans Saints, 29-24.
The play, known as “The Minneapolis Miracle,” made sure that Keenum would never have to buy a meal (or shovel his driveway) in Minnesota again. But he left when the Vikings pivoted to Kirk Cousins the following offseason, and he’s bounced around the league since then, spending time with the Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills.
Entering Monday, Keenum had not started a game since a two-game cameo with the Texans in 2023. But he got dusted off as Bagent didn’t clear concussion protocol until Sunday. Keenum took full advantage, slicing the Eagles' defense in a way some Vikings fans wish he'd done in the 2017 NFC Championship Game, but it also opened the debate on whether the Bears should ride with Keenum until Williams is ready to play.
Keenum could play a big role in the Vikings quest for an NFC North division title
Vikings fans would love to see Keenum continue to get a shot as the Bears starter for sentimental reasons. But it may also help them maintain their NFC North advantage. With Williams still sidelined, starting Keenum against a plucky New York Jets team and a Packers team that could welcome back Micah Parsons might be better than starting Bagent.
Keenum’s recent history suggests he may only be able to turn back the clock for one night. Since leaving Minnesota after the 2017 season, Keenum has compiled a 10-18 record as a starter, completing 62.9 percent of his passes for 6,404 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions in 39 games (28 starts).
Bagent’s numbers aren't great in comparison, completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 971 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions in 13 career games. But the Bears’ regime, led by Ben Johnson, clearly thinks highly of him, establishing him as the No. 2 option out of training camp and signing him to a two-year, $10 million extension before last season began.
Of course, this is a champagne problem compared to the Vikings, who are trying to decide whether Murray, Wentz, or a quarterback not on the roster is the best choice to capitalize on their fast start. But their divisional rivals will have to sort through it as Chicago tries to keep up while Williams is out due to injury.
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