Caleb Williams is sidelined for “Monday Night Football” against the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering a right hamstring injury in the Chicago Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Williams initially was described as week-to-week by Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who said the injury report was encouraging. Johnson left open the possibility that his quarterback could play against Philadelphia. However, Williams never practiced during the week and was officially ruled out Saturday.
Since his game status was officially announced, a new report on Williams’ injury development has since emerged, with more clarity on his potential return timeline.
Caleb Williams Could Return Against the Packers
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Williams was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring injury that doctors believe carries a three-to-four-week recovery window, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport noted Monday that Williams will try to beat the timeline and could return at an earlier time.
The Bears’ next game after Monday night is against the New York Jets on Oct. 4. Based on the reported three-to-four-week timeline, that game could come too soon for Williams, although the quarterback’s progress will determine whether he has a chance to return.
If Williams needs the full three weeks, his earliest realistic opportunity could come against NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 11. A four-week recovery would point toward the Oct. 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
First NFL Career Absence for Caleb Williams
Williams’ injury ends a streak of 38 consecutive regular-season and playoff starts for Williams since Chicago selected him No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The third-year quarterback suffered the injury midway through the fourth quarter against Minnesota while scrambling near the goal line. He was carted to the locker room after the play and did not return. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one interception before leaving the 9-3 loss.
Case Keenum will start against the Eagles, with Tyson Bagent serving as his backup after clearing concussion protocol. Keenum has 66 career NFL starts but has not started a regular-season game since 2023.
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