Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Avoids Major Hamstring Injury, Not Ruled Out for Week 3

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has avoided a major injury to his right hamstring and has not been ruled out for the team’s Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple reports. Williams underwent tests on Monday after leaving Sunday’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on a cart.

The injury occurred with 7:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams scrambled toward the end zone on a first-and-goal play from the Vikings’ 6-yard line. He went down without contact on the wet turf at Soldier Field and grabbed at his right hamstring.

Williams was helped off the field by two trainers. He spent several minutes in the injury tent before being carted to the locker room. He raised his right arm to give fans a thumbs-up as the cart entered the tunnel.

The Bears ruled Williams out for the remainder of the game shortly after he left the field.

Head coach Ben Johnson said after the game that Williams was in ‘good spirits.’ Johnson also expressed relief that the injury was not to Williams’ knee.

‘I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee,’ Johnson said. ‘That was my first inclination, but yeah, that hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So we’ll see how bad it is (Monday), and we’ll go from there.’

NBC Sports insider Mike Florio reported that there is optimism the injury is not severe. Florio said it could be as slight as a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the lowest level of hamstring injury.

Tom Pelissero of Netflix reported Monday that Williams did not suffer a major injury and that the team is not ruling him out for the Week 3 matchup against the Eagles next Monday night.

Williams was seen walking through the locker room after the game under his own power. Adam Jahns of CHGO Sports reported that Williams had no crutches and only a slight limp.

The quarterback did not speak to reporters after the game.

Williams completed 15-of-26 passes for 138 yards with one interception before departing. He also rushed for 42 yards on five carries.

In two games this season, Williams has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 407 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He has rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent finished the game for the Bears. Bagent went 5-of-9 passing for 54 yards. He will prepare to start against the Eagles if Williams cannot play.

Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze said he has faith in Williams’ ability to return quickly.

‘We know we’re going to get him back soon,’ Odunze said. ‘He’s a very resilient guy.’

Williams has rarely dealt with injuries during his career. He did not miss a game in his first two NFL seasons despite being sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie.

In December 2022, while playing at USC, Williams injured his left hamstring on a 59-yard run in the Pac-12 championship game. He stayed in the game and played in the Cotton Bowl the following month.

The Bears are scheduled to host the Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 3. The team will monitor Williams’ practice participation over the next several days before making a decision on his status.

nn

Image Via: NBC Chicago