Bears QB Caleb Williams returns from hamstring injury, beats Falcons 31-23
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The gist
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring injury and threw for 305 yards in a 31-23 win over Atlanta.
His 83.3% completion rate answers offseason accuracy doubts as Chicago sits at 4-2.
Background
Caleb Williams is the Chicago Bears quarterback, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner (college football's top player award) whom the Bears drafted in 2024. He strained his right hamstring in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings and missed Chicago's next three games, with Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent starting in his place. The Bears went 2-1 without him and were 3-2 before his return. Williams had faced offseason criticism over inaccuracy, making his sharp passing line against Atlanta a notable response.
How it unfolded
- Sep 20, 2026Williams suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings and was carted off.
- Oct 16, 2026Williams was a full practice participant Friday and listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Atlanta after missing three contests.
- Oct 17, 2026NFL Media reported the Bears were expected to activate Williams for the Week 6 road game against the Falcons.
- Oct 18, 2026Williams returned and led Chicago to a 31-23 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, completing 30-of-36 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions; he was sacked four times.
- Oct 19, 2026Advanced stats showed a 12.8 completion percentage over expected (second in the league that week), 24-of-24 for 248 yards from a clean pocket, and a 63.0 PFF grade (tied 13th).
- Oct 20, 2026Williams announced a personal update via the Caleb Cares Foundation; the 4-2 Bears were set to host the New England Patriots on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Bears coach Ben Johnson said Williams looked good in practice but needed back-to-back sessions, and that the plan was to get him to high speeds without lingering effects.
- Expert
- Advanced-stat analysis highlighted his accuracy over expected and perfect passing from a clean pocket, while noting a 41.5% pressure rate and a career-low 2.4% scramble rate.
- Caution
- Coverage noted Williams was sacked four times in his return, and Johnson said game intensity differs from practice.
Still unverified
NFL Media reported the Bears were "expected to activate" Williams for Week 6, and Williams "appeared to hint" of a looming return in a TikTok post.