Bears quarterback Caleb Williams questionable for Falcons after hamstring injury
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The gist
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was listed questionable for Sunday's game in Atlanta after three full practices.
NFL Network reported he is expected to start, ending a three-game absence.
Background
Caleb Williams is the Chicago Bears' third-year quarterback, sidelined since suffering a right hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. He has missed the last three contests and returned to full practice participation for the first time in nearly a month this week. The Bears face the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, with a quick Thursday Night Football turnaround against the New England Patriots cited by coach Ben Johnson as a possible reason to hold Williams out another week.
How it unfolded
- Sep 20, 2026Williams suffered a right hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Vikings, pulling up on a scramble toward the end zone and being carted off in visible tears.
- Oct 14, 2026Amid his rehab, Williams changed his Instagram profile picture to a photo of John Wick and updated his bio to "I'm inevitable."
- Oct 15, 2026Williams was a full participant in the Bears' walk-through, and coach Ben Johnson said the Week 6 starting quarterback decision against the Falcons was "still fluid." Williams also held a news conference and refused to reveal the medical grade of his hamstring tear.
- Oct 16, 2026After full participation Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Williams was officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons in Atlanta.
- Oct 17, 2026NFL Network reported Williams is expected to start Sunday against the Falcons.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach Ben Johnson said Williams looked good for one practice but the team needs to stack back-to-back days, adding he is "on track" and that confidence is a big part of the return.
- Player
- Williams said he would have to pass a stress test before being named starter, and that he was recently timed at one of the fastest speeds of his career and can move and run with strength.
- Caution
- Johnson noted game intensity is "a little bit different" and that the quick Thursday turnaround against the Patriots could be a reason to hold Williams out another week.
- Media
- NFL Network reported Williams is expected to start Sunday, while the team's official listing remained questionable.
Still unverified
Whether Williams will start Sunday was not settled in the team sources: he was listed as questionable and Johnson said the decision was "still fluid." NFL Network reported he is expected to start. Williams refused to reveal the medical grade of what he called a "pretty serious" hamstring tear, and said reporting about the injury's specifics has been wrong.