Caleb Williams Facing Multiple Weeks Out With Hamstring Injury

Timeline For Recovery

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is facing some time on the sidelines after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring injury. Doctors estimate that this type of injury normally takes three to four weeks to heal.

The Bears have already ruled Williams out for their Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. While the team has tried to keep the details quiet, head coach Ben Johnson noted that the quarterback is a fast healer. Johnson called Williams week to week. "This guy's a little bit different than the average human being," Johnson said, adding that Williams recovers faster than people anticipate.

Williams suffered the injury during a 9-3 loss to the Vikings last week. He went down without contact and had to be carted off the field. The severe pain was likely caused by scar tissue breaking up from an old college injury to the same hamstring.

The Quarterback Dilemma

With Williams out, Chicago has a major decision to make at quarterback for Monday night. Backup Tyson Bagent is currently in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms on Tuesday.

Bagent did participate fully in practice on Saturday and is officially listed as questionable. If he cannot play, the Bears will turn to 38 year old veteran Case Keenum. Keenum has not started an NFL game since the 2023 season when he played for the Houston Texans.

Coach Johnson said the team is still deciding who will start. He noted that both backups are very smart players who will be mentally prepared, even though they have different skills.

Looking Ahead

The decision not to place Williams on injured reserve suggests the Bears hope he will return quickly. If he misses three weeks, he will sit out games against the Eagles, the New York Jets, and the Green Bay Packers.

A four week recovery would target a return in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. For now, Chicago must find a way to keep their season on track without their starting quarterback.