Joe Thuney addresses controversial Bears incident

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Joe Thuney addresses controversial Bears incident

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 23, 2026 10:05 PM ET

Caleb Williams powered the Chicago Bears to their second straight win on Thursday. They defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 at Soldier Field with the star quarterback utilizing all his weapons. It included Joe Thuney, who was involved in a controversial play. The veteran guard addressed it after the matchup.

Williams impressed with 22-of-33 completions for 308 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He played his second game after missing the previous three due to a hamstring injury. D’Andre Swift shined in the backfield with 22 rushes for 78 yards and one touchdown, while Luther Burden III caught four passes for 130 yards and one score.

Thuney, on the other hand, has played in all 17 regular-season games in each of the last three seasons. He has appeared and started in Chicago’s seven assignments so far this year.

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney at minicamp.

Bears guard Joe Thuney discusses controversial play vs. Patriots

Williams and Thuney teamed-up for a trick play in the second quarter. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner faked a handoff to a running back and instead handed the football to the guard. However, referees called it an illegal play for being a forward hand-off.

Reporters asked Thuney about it after the game and he shared his thoughts. He added that it was a designed play that the team worked on.

“I guess they said a forward handoff or something, so I got to go look at it,” Thuney said. “It was fun, but illegal, I guess… Yeah, that was the general thought. I guess I should have been more behind. Just kind of working on it here and there as a who-knows play, and heard it in the huddle.”

“It was fun but illegal, I guess”

Joe Thuney on forward handoff play: https://t.co/tKvklcThka

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 23, 2026

Referees flagged the play and the Bears received a penalty. However, it showed that the team is not afraid to try different looks to confuse opponents. It remains to be seen if Williams and Co. will try it again. The good news is Thuney already knows what to do to make it a legal play.

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

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