Bears ground game faces Fangio’s Eagles defense with quarterback choice unsettled

Chicago's quarterback choice remains unresolved for Monday, but Philadelphia's defensive assignment is clear. The Eagles must prepare for the Bears' running game after Chicago rushed for 281 yards in their meeting last season. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said the opponent's scheme does not depend on quarterback runs, making the ground game the matchup to watch even with Caleb Williams ruled out.

In the Eagles' official preview, Fangio pointed to the Bears' under-center handoffs, blocking and backs. D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai each topped 100 rushing yards against Philadelphia in 2025. Fangio said his defense would have to play the run better this time. That history is useful context, not a prediction that Chicago will repeat it with a different quarterback and a new Eagles game plan.

The Bears' updated injury article reports Williams out with a hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent questionable after a concussion. Bagent practiced fully Saturday after sitting out Thursday and Friday, but the designation does not settle whether he will dress or start. Case Keenum is the next veteran option if Bagent cannot go. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor said Keenum led the first-team offense during Friday's practice, according to the Bears' account. The final quarterback decision belongs to the club.

That uncertainty changes the way to frame Chicago's offense. Fangio said the Eagles are preparing for the Bears' system rather than one passer. Swift entered the week with 169 rushing yards and three touchdowns through two games, while Monangai had 147 yards and one score, according to Philadelphia's team report. Those early totals support why the Eagles are focused on the backs. They do not establish that Chicago can simply repeat last year's 281 yards.

The other side of the game carries its own test. Philadelphia is 2-0 after beating Washington 24-22 and Tennessee 24-20, according to the Eagles' schedule. Chicago is 1-1 after a 9-3 loss to Minnesota. Whether the Bears can sustain drives against Fangio's front without Williams is a live question. If the ground game is contained, their available quarterback will face more obvious passing situations; if it moves the chains, Chicago can keep the game closer to the style that worked in the prior meeting. Those are scenarios, not assumed outcomes.

The Eagles visit Soldier Field on Monday, September 28, at 8:15 p.m. Eastern, with ESPN and ABC carrying the game nationally, according to the Eagles' viewing guide. The final inactive list and Bagent's clearance will resolve the remaining quarterback question before kickoff.