What Caleb Williams' expected return would mean for Bears, Falcons

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

What Caleb Williams' expected return would mean for Bears, Falcons

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 5:49 PM ET

For the first time since suffering an injury in Week 2, it appears that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is ready to return to action.

Caleb Williams is expected to start on Sunday

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, all plans indicate that Williams will be Chicago's starting quarterback on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Schefter reported that Williams went through a full week of practice without any setbacks, putting him in line to return to action on Sunday. Williams was a participant in a day of practice ahead of the Bears game in Week 5, but he was ultimately not yet ready to return.

Without their starting quarterback, Chicago went 2-1 with wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets. The lone loss was an embarrassing 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 5.

He’s back: The Bears are planning to start Caleb Williams after he missed the past three games due to a torn hamstring but went through a full week of practice this week without any setbacks, per NFLN and ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zLxQ7Mbvsq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2026

What should Bears fans expect from Caleb Williams?

The NFL world is aware of what kind of talent Williams has, but that may not yet be on display. Any quarterback struggles without repetition and game action, something that Williams hasn't had in almost a full month.

While he is uber-talented, it may take a bit for Williams to get settled and find the rhythm he had in Week 1 when Chicago scored 59 points against the Carolina Panthers.

Atlanta's pass defense is one of the worst in the league

If Williams is able to find his rhythm early, the Falcons will be in for a long day. Atlanta's pass defense ranks 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (248.4).

Keeping the Chicago offense out of rhythm and forcing 3rd-and-long situations will be crucial for the Falcons' chances of not getting beat in the air and dropping a second straight game.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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