Chicago (AP) — The Chicago Bears are optimistic that quarterback Caleb Williams will be cleared to practice this weekend in Atlanta, potentially returning to the field after a three‑game absence due to a right hamstring injury.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, was injured in the fourth quarter of a 9‑3 loss to Minnesota on Sept. 20. Coach Ben Johnson said the team is “doing a great job progressing” and that Williams is “itching to get back as soon as he can.” If Williams is still unavailable, the Bears have not yet decided who will assume the No. 1 quarterback role.
Quarterback carousel continues
Since Williams’ injury, the Bears have rotated several signal‑callers. Tyson Bagent threw two interceptions in a 31‑7 loss to Green Bay, and Case Keenum was also picked off and lost a fumble after replacing Bagent late in the fourth quarter. Keenum started the 27‑7 win over Philadelphia on Sept. 28, posting 247 yards and two touchdowns, while Bagent was in concussion protocol for much of that week.
In Week 4, Bagent earned a career‑high 268 passing yards in a 23‑12 victory over the New York Jets, though he also threw an interception that was nullified by a penalty. The Bears have committed five turnovers in just two games against the Packers, matching the total they accumulated in the first four games of the season.
Offensive fundamentals under review
Coach Johnson emphasized that the team’s offensive fundamentals, technique, and execution need to improve. “The things we take a lot of pride in on offense are how we go about our business from a fundamentals, technique and finish standpoint,” he said. “Those things aren’t consistent at the level we’d like them to be right now, so as a coaching staff we have to be crystal clear on expectations and get that out of our guys.”
The Bears have struggled in division play, losing their first two NFC North games for the second straight year and holding a 2‑6 record against the division since Johnson was hired. Their next division matchup is set for Nov. 26 at Detroit.
Other notable performances
Defensive end Austin Booker recorded back‑to‑back sacks on Green Bay’s Jordan Love, becoming the first Bears player to do so since Lamarr Houston in 2015. The 23‑year‑old rookie now leads the team with four sacks in five games.
Running back Roschon Johnson posted a team‑high five receptions for 34 yards, though his rushing output was limited to six yards on five carries. With running back Kyle Monangai sidelined by toe and thumb injuries, the Bears may look to practice‑squad players Zavier Scott or Salvon Ahmed for additional depth.
Injuries continue to affect the roster: linebacker T.J. Edwards left with a hamstring issue, defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo (quadriceps) and defensive backs Tyrique Stevenson (hamstring) and Cam Lewis (unspecified) were hurt in the second half of the Packers game.
Chicago will travel to Atlanta next Sunday to face the Falcons, marking the first meeting between the two teams since the Bears defeated Atlanta 37‑17 at Soldier Field on Dec. 31, 2023.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
