Bears HC Ben Johnson addresses Caleb Williams’ viral comments

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 1:32 AM ET

Caleb Williams discussed his hamstring injury in front of the media on Thursday. It became testy as he expressed his frustration with reporters on how they reported his situation. Chicago Bears head coach addressed the quarterback’s comments.

He has missed the last three games. He sustained the injury in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, exiting in the fourth quarter. Case Keenum started in his place in Week 3, while Tyson Bagent was named the QB1 in the last two weeks. Williams is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bears are coming off a 31-7 loss to their rivals, the Green Bay Packers. They are 2-1 so far without their starting quarterback and 3-2 for the season. Chicago has the same win-loss slate as the Detroit Lions and Packers, all trailing the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.

Ben Johnson speaks on Bears QB Caleb Williams’ media rant

Johnson stressed that Williams’ viral comments were just a result of being eager to return to action. The second-year head coach added that the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is in an unfamiliar situation.

“I honestly I didn’t feel any frustration from him,” Johnson said. “He was in this little bit of a no man’s land. ‘Hey, what do I do with myself? I’ve never been in this situation, I’ve never been in the training room this much. I’ve never been second or third fiddle in the quarterback room ever in my life. I just need a little guidance on how I can best help and serve.’

“He’s a captain. He wants to do that desperately. How can I help us win in this different setting? I don’t know that I felt a frustration other than an eagerness to get back out there and help the guys on the field.”

Ben Johnson on Caleb’s Frustration with the Media Lately:

“I honestly didn’t feel any frustration from him. He was just in a bit of new territory, he’s never been in the training room this much or taken a backseat in the quarterback room. His main focus was asking for guidance on how to best support the team and serve as a captain while sidelined. The only eagerness he showed was wanting to get back on the field and help the guys win.”

Media asking Stupid Questions every Week doesn’t help

— Bears on Real (@BearsOnReal) October 16, 2026

Williams’ questionable tag is a huge step towards being available to play again. If he misses Sunday’s game, his next chance to see action is in Week 6 versus the New England Patriots on “Thursday Night Football.”

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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