Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him. Following a recent throwing workout at Lambeau Field, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed the player is tracking toward a potential Week 6 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.
Caleb Williams Nears Return After Hamstring Recovery
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has resumed throwing as he works his way back from a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered during a Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Although the injury sidelined him for three straight contests, including Sunday’s matchup at Lambeau Field, his rehabilitation has progressed enough to get him back on the practice field in a limited capacity.
According to reports from on-field workouts, Williams has looked comfortable taking drops and throwing the ball. While he remains week-to-week as he accelerates back to full running speed, the coaching staff has laid out a clear progression for his reactivation.
“Bears QB Caleb Williams has resumed throwing, but he’s still working his way back to running full speed as he inches closer to returning from his hamstring injury.”
Tom Pelissero, NFL Insider
On Saturday, the team made its final call regarding the matchup in Green Bay. Tom Pelissero reported that Tyson Bagent would get the start at Lambeau Field while Williams continued working his way back from the injury. Williams conducted a workout Sunday morning at Lambeau Field to test his mobility, but he was officially designated as inactive alongside running back Kyle Monangai (toe), offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, defensive lineman Jamree Kromah, and defensive lineman Jayden Loving. The Bears entered the contest with a 3-1 record, while the Packers stood at 2-2 for the kickoff at noon CT.
Backup Struggles Against Green Bay Highlight Urgent Need for Starter
The timing of Williams’ potential recovery is paramount for an offense that stumbled badly in Week 5. In a sluggish 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago offense was outgained 428 yards to 245 yards. The defeat ended a two-game winning streak that the Bears had put together without their franchise signal-caller.
Starter Tyson Bagent struggled against the Packers defense, throwing a pair of interceptions before getting benched in favor of veteran Case Keenum. The two quarterbacks combined for just 195 passing yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 39.1. The Chicago defense also struggled to contain the Green Bay offense after three straight games allowing 12 or fewer points.
Ben Johnson Sets Timetable for Week 6 Decision Against Atlanta
Bears head coach Ben Johnson addressed reporters after the Green Bay defeat, offering a cautious but encouraging update on his young quarterback’s status for the upcoming road trip.
“He’s on track. We’ll see if that’s Atlanta or after. I think it’s going to be close.”
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears Head Coach
Insiders note that the team’s schedule offers a few distinct pathways for his return. Beyond the Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons—who lead the league in pressure rate and boast the NFL’s No. 1 offense over the past two weeks—Chicago faces the New England Patriots on a short week in Week 7, followed by an 11-day break ahead of their Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks.
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