Bears QB Caleb Williams Suffered Hamstring Tear

Afterwards, Williams spoke to Bears reporters. He addressed his injury absence, which has spanned three games and counting. Chicago has used by Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent as replacements, and it remains to be seen who will handle QB duties in Week 6. Williams said a final decision has not yet been made, adding he has medical protocols to clear over the coming days before an expected return to action can take place.

Williams also clarified that the injury which forced the first missed games of his career was a “pretty serious” hamstring tear. A report from shortly after his exit in Week 2 indicated a Grade 2 hamstring strain had occurred. The ailment was said to carry a recovery timeline of three to four weeks, which Williams is on track to meet.

“There’s nothing that has come out that has been right about what it is and what it has been,” the 24-year-old said (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) when addressing coverage of his injury. He declined to specify the grade of his hamstring tear. In any case, a return to the fold seems to be forthcoming. Chicago plays Atlanta on Sunday before a quick turnaround against New England in a Thursday Night Football matchup to begin Week 7.

Given the setup of their schedule, the Bears could look to take a cautious approach with respect to Williams’ return. The next few days will of course be worth watching closely as it pertains to practice reps with Chicago needing to decide on a Week 6 starter shortly. Sitting at 3-2 and coming off a lopsided loss, the Bears could certainly stand to benefit from the former No. 1 pick returning to his pre-injury form. Williams is confident that will be the case when he next suits up.

“I hit a top speed the other day, one of my high speeds I’ve ever hit and so I can move, I can run, I’ve got strength,” he added. “Just going through the stress test because obviously fibers and things like that in your hamstrings and muscles have to connect back together to be able to go out there and play a 60-minute game.”