Chicago, Ill. – The NFL suffered a double blow on Sunday when its two young franchise quarterbacks were forced off the field. Chicago Bears rookie sensation Caleb Williams was carted off with a hamstring injury, while Washington Commanders starter Jayden Daniels required a cart after re‑dislocating his left elbow.
Williams’ hamstring raises caution for the Bears
Williams, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner selected first overall, was seen limping to the locker room after the Bears fell 9‑3 to the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared to be in relatively good spirits, but the team will not know the full extent of the injury until an MRI is performed on Monday. Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized a cautious approach, noting that Williams’ mobility is a cornerstone of his game and that the team does not want to risk a more serious setback.
Johnson said, “I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee, that was my first inclination. But yeah, the hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So, we’ll see how bad it is and we’ll go from there.” The Bears, who entered the season with high expectations after a 59‑point offensive outburst in Week 1, will likely turn to backup quarterback Tyson Bagent while they await further news.
Daniels faces another elbow setback
Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft and the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, suffered a repeat dislocation of his left elbow. The injury occurred late in the Commanders’ loss to the Vikings, adding to a history that includes a prior dislocation in Week 9 of the 2025 season, a brief return, and a second tweak that caused him to miss the final four games of that year.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that imaging showed no fracture, but further tests are scheduled for Monday. Quinn summed up the situation succinctly: “It sucks.” Orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Chao, a former team physician for the Chargers, noted on social media that the joint “comes out easier the second time” and that the original ligament tear has healed “looser.”
Impact on the teams’ outlooks
For Chicago, the loss of Williams could stall the momentum built under Johnson’s guidance, especially after the Bears secured an NFC North title and a playoff win in 2025. The team will host the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday, giving the coaching staff a brief window to assess Williams’ condition and decide on the best course of action.
Washington, already struggling with a 0‑2 start, will rely on veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to fill the void. The Commanders were not projected as contenders even with Daniels at the helm, and his absence deepens concerns for a challenging season in the NFC East.
Other NFL takeaways from Sunday
- Packers overcame a 10‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to beat the Jets 20‑17 in overtime, doing so without All‑Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, who remains out after ACL surgery.
- Saints rallied from a 21‑0 deficit to defeat Detroit 24‑17, with second‑year quarterback Tyler Shough leading a decisive fourth‑quarter drive.
- Bengals showcased a dominant defense, limiting Houston to six points and forcing multiple turnovers, positioning Cincinnati as a potential Super Bowl contender.
- Patrick Mahomes demonstrated a strong return from ACL and LCL surgery, throwing for 382 yards and three touchdowns in a 33‑30 overtime win over Indianapolis.
- Denver Broncos rebounded with a 20‑13 comeback win against Jacksonville, highlighting a revitalized defensive effort.
- Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns to lead Las Vegas to a 26‑14 victory over the Chargers, keeping the Raiders unbeaten at 2‑0.
Both Williams and Daniels are expected to undergo further medical evaluation early next week. Their recoveries will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the health of these young quarterbacks could shape the trajectory of their respective franchises for the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
