Bears’ Caleb Williams Provides New Update on Playing Status

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said Thursday he does not yet know whether he will play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, even after logging full practices on consecutive days.

Williams, the 24-year-old former No. 1 overall pick, has missed the past three games with a right hamstring injury suffered in the fourth quarter of a Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

He was listed as a full participant on both Wednesday’s estimated injury report, when the team held only a walkthrough, and Thursday’s actual practice report. That marked clear progress from a limited session last Friday ahead of a Week 5 game he ultimately missed.

Speaking to reporters, Williams managed expectations about an immediate return.

“Before you start asking, I do not know if I’m playing yet,” he said, according to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain. He added that he still has a number of tests and protocols to complete before he can be cleared.

On his physical condition, Williams offered a more encouraging update.

“I can move. I can run. I hit one of the highest speeds I’ve hit the other day,” he said.

League sources previously diagnosed the injury as a Grade 2 hamstring strain with a typical three-to-four-week recovery window. Williams has now been sidelined for roughly that span, and the Bears have not placed him on injured reserve.

The Bears enter the week at 3-2 and fourth in the NFC North. They are 2-1 in the three games Williams has missed.

In Week 3, veteran Case Keenum started and helped lead a 27-7 home win over the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards with two touchdowns and a rushing score. Tyson Bagent then started the Week 4 win over the New York Jets, throwing for 268 yards in a 23-12 victory.

The offense struggled in Sunday’s 31-7 loss at the Green Bay Packers. Bagent completed 12 of 21 passes for 87 yards and two interceptions before being benched. Keenum finished the game, going 11 of 19 for 108 yards with one interception and a lost fumble.

If Williams cannot go Sunday, coach Ben Johnson will choose between Bagent and the 38-year-old Keenum. Johnson has previously described Williams as “on track” and said a return this week or next was possible.

Williams has completed 36 of 55 passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in two starts this season, along with 107 rushing yards and two scores. He had his strongest outing in Week 1, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding two rushing scores in a 59-37 win at the Carolina Panthers.

Friday’s practice and any remaining medical evaluations will be pivotal. Full participation again would increase the odds of a start against the Falcons. Subpar results on remaining tests could lead the Bears to hold him out and target a return the following Thursday against the New England Patriots.

The team has taken a cautious approach throughout the recovery to protect its franchise quarterback. A short turnaround after Sunday’s game adds another layer to the decision.

Williams first returned to limited practice last week and completed a pregame workout before being ruled inactive against Green Bay. His ability to cut, plant and run without issues this week has been viewed as a positive step.