Bears QB Caleb Williams won't play in preseason opener

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will not play in Sunday's preseason opener against the visiting Miami Dolphins, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed Friday.

Williams and about 17 other starters will sit out Sunday but are expected to see action at some point during the exhibition slate.

"I think we have about nine on O, nine on D," Johnson said of the starters who won't play. "We'll see how the day goes, maybe that number will change. So, we'll make it through the day, and we'll make those final decisions when we get there."

The Bears and Dolphins are having a joint practice Friday, giving Johnson and his coaches a chance to see Williams and the others in action.

"I would suspect that we will have them play at some point (in the preseason), yeah," Johnson said. "But that's to be determined."

Third-year quarterback Tyson Bagent will start against Miami and play the first half, with veteran Case Keenum and Austin Reed also taking snaps.

Williams, 23, was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He started every game as a rookie, finishing 5-12 with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions.