Case Keenum didn’t just turn in the Chicago Bears’ best performance in their 2026 preseason opener - he also spent part of the day making the case for one of the team’s fringe receivers.
The veteran quarterback was nearly spotless, missing only one throw and firing two touchdowns in a showing that gave Chicago exactly what it could have wanted in its first preseason look. But after the game, Keenum used his momentum to shine a light on Kaden Davis, a receiver who suddenly has a real fight on his hands for a spot on the final roster.
"We have a deep receiver room, and that really helps the quarterback room in the preseason, especially with some guys sitting out today. Kaden has great speed down the field and is a big strider who can really threaten defenses.
He's experienced and a guy we can count on to be in the right place at the right time. I've really enjoyed throwing to him."
Davis backed up that praise with production, finishing the opener with four catches on six targets for 88 yards. That kind of day doesn’t guarantee anything, but it does keep the door cracked open for a player trying to survive a crowded receiver room.
The top end of that group looks settled. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker are all expected to be on the roster. If the Bears keep six receivers, as expected, there’s only one spot left to sort out, and veteran Scotty Miller has been mentioned as a possible favorite for it.
Still, Davis has something to work with. His speed gives him a real shot, especially with Ben Johnson placing clear value on receivers who can stretch the field and move around in different roles. That kind of versatility can matter, and Davis has at least shown enough in the preseason opener to stay in the conversation.
Keenum’s public support matters too. He’s a respected veteran, and his name has even been floated as a possible coaching hire once his playing career ends. So when he goes out of his way to praise Davis, it carries weight.
For Davis to turn that support into something real, he’ll need to stack another strong preseason outing on top of the first one. If he does that in the next two games, he gives the Bears’ coaches something harder to ignore.
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