The Chicago Bears are planning to start Caleb Williams on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons after the star quarterback missed the past three games due to a torn hamstring, sources told NFL Network and ESPN.
Williams hasn’t played since Sept. 20 against the Minnesota Vikings but went through a full week of practice this week without any setbacks.
Williams entered the week believing he could return to the field, provided he has no issues. Being a full participant in practice sealed it, leading Bears coach Ben Johnson to say late Friday that Williams is “on track.”
The Bears have officially listed Williams as questionable for Sunday’s contest in Atlanta.
Williams took starter reps at practice, according to sources, another indication that he’s set to return. After the Wednesday walk-through, sources said he looked like himself during the Thursday and Friday practice with no issues.
In addition, Williams reposted on TikTok a video celebrating his return, including some of the criticism he received while exiting the field in Week 2 on a cart. The video included a clip of fictional Chicago legend Carmy Berzatto, played by Jeremy Allen White in “The Bear,” saying: “I think that flicked a switch in me where I was like, f— you. Watch this.”
Chicago went 2-1 in the three games Williams did not play despite missing several starters and using multiple quarterbacks. Case Keenum started against the Philadelphia Eagles in a dramatic Week 3 win, and backup Tyson Bagent went 1-1.
