Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Poised for Return Against Falcons
Full participation in Wednesday's practice indicates the starting quarterback is ready to play after a hamstring injury.
Chicago Bears starting quarterback Caleb Williams appears set to return to action this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Williams was a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, signaling a strong recovery from the hamstring injury he sustained in Week 2.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed Williams' full participation status for Wednesday's practice. While Johnson did not officially name Williams the starter for Sunday's game, his readiness to practice fully early in the week strongly suggests he will be under center.
Williams has thrown for 407 yards with two touchdowns and one interception through his first two games this season. He also added 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' Week 1 victory. Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent filled in at quarterback during Williams' absence.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have officially named Michael Penix Jr. their starter for Sunday's game. Penix was also a full participant in practice after suffering a rib injury that sidelined him for the end of the Falcons' recent loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Atlanta had previously started Cooper Rush for the first two games of the season as Penix recovered from a torn ACL sustained last season.
With both teams' starting quarterbacks likely to play, Sunday's contest will mark the first time this season that both the Bears and Falcons are at full strength at the quarterback position. The Falcons lost their previous game after backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a game-sealing interception in overtime against the Ravens.