Bears QB Caleb Williams 'week to week' with hamstring injury

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson described rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' right hamstring injury as a "week-to-week" situation, offering a cautiously optimistic update on Monday, the day after Williams was helped off the field during the team's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, sustained the injury while scrambling deep in Vikings territory with approximately 7 1/2 minutes remaining in the game. He was replaced by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. Johnson indicated that Williams is unlikely to practice this week but did not rule out his participation in the Bears' upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night.

"He’s right now working through every avenue that he’s got available to get back on track here," Johnson said. "We’ll see what that looks like. Here’s what I know: This guy’s a little bit different than the average human being. ... He gets back, he has in the past, a lot faster than what people can anticipate. I’m not putting a timeline on this. We’re going to say week to week."

Following the home game against Philadelphia, the Bears, who hold a 1-1 record, are scheduled to play the New York Jets on Oct. 4 and then visit the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 11.

In Sunday's game played in steady rain at Soldier Field, Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and threw one interception. He also recorded five carries for 42 yards.

If Williams is unable to play, Bagent would likely start against the Eagles. The Bears also have veteran Case Keenum on their roster. Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards against the Vikings. He joined the Bears in May 2023 after a record-setting college career at Division II Shepherd University.

"He’s got full confidence in himself. We have full confidence in him," offensive lineman Jonah Jackson said. "We know he can dink and dump the ball around and sling it and also get active with his feet."

Bagent, 26, started four games and appeared in five contests as a rookie, throwing for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. He signed a two-year contract extension in August 2025.

"If it goes that route, I feel strongly about what he’s capable of and our team does, too," Johnson added. "They know he’s a darn good football player."

The Bears' defense showed improvement compared to their Week 1 performance, a 59-37 win at Carolina. Minnesota managed only 246 total yards and converted 3 of 13 third downs.

Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman and defensive lineman James Lynch each recorded seven tackles, leading the team. Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo also registered his first sack since September 8, 2025.

Penalties continue to be an issue for the Bears, who were flagged 11 times on Sunday, with eight being accepted for 58 yards. In contrast, Minnesota was penalized three times for 25 yards. Veteran center Garrett Bradbury was responsible for four penalties, including two for holding and two for false starts. Bradbury was acquired in an offseason trade with New England.

In their Week 1 victory, the Bears overcame 12 penalties for 57 yards, but the offense struggled to do so in the rainy conditions against Minnesota. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad recorded his first career sack on a blitz late in the third quarter and also had an interception in his NFL debut in Week 1.

Rookie tight end Sam Roush faced difficulties in his first NFL home game, being flagged for an illegal shift that negated a 14-yard catch. He also dropped a potential touchdown reception in the fourth quarter and was in the vicinity of a blocked field goal.

There has been no update on cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who also injured his hamstring during Sunday's game.

The Bears were 0 for 3 in the red zone against Minnesota, a stark contrast to their 4 for 4 success rate in Week 1.

Chicago's victory over Philadelphia on November 28 came in Philadelphia, where the Bears rushed for 281 yards and two touchdowns. The all-time series between the Bears and Eagles is led by Chicago with a record of 30-14-1.