CHICAGO () — The Bears will take the national stage Monday night when they host the Eagles on Monday Night Football.
They will do so without starting quarterback Caleb Williams, however.
Williams is sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving veteran Case Keenum expected to make the start against Philadelphia.
Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and will be available as the backup quarterback.
Even with the quarterback change, enthusiasm for the Bears continues to grow throughout Chicago and far beyond the city.
The team has even received the Hallmark treatment through a partnership with the Hallmark Channel on “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.”
The new Christmas movie is scheduled to be released next month.
Monday night’s spotlight will also highlight Chicago’s Latino community.
The Bears have designated their matchup with the Eagles as the “Vamos Bears” game, honoring Latino heritage and the community’s deep ties to both the team and the city.
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Mariachi Herencia de México, a two-time Latin Grammy-nominated group that began in Chicago, will perform the national anthem.
A special live halftime performance will then explore the history and influence of Latin music in Chicago while celebrating the generations of Latino communities that have helped shape the city.
The Bears will also honor two local high school standouts: Alison Segarra of Amundsen High School and Alejandro Gonzalez of Dundee-Crown.
The students will serve as honorary captains and join the Bears captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss.
Fans will also take part in the celebration, with wearable “Vamos Bears” flags distributed at the stadium gates.
Former Bears player Israel Idonije appeared on ABC7 Chicago Monday morning to discuss the watch party at his South Loop bar.
Doors at The Staley open at 2 p.m.
Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m.
