The Chicago Bears have listed Caleb Williams as questionable for Sunday’s road game against the Atlanta Falcons, leaving the starting quarterback decision unresolved despite his return to full practice work this week.
Williams has been sidelined for three games by a hamstring injury suffered in Chicago’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears have gone 2-1 during his absence, but the position became unsettled in last week’s defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
Chicago’s quarterback situation
- Williams was injured against Minnesota in Week 2 after appearing in two games this season.
- Case Keenum started as Chicago beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.
- Tyson Bagent took the first snap in the Week 4 victory over the New York Jets.
- Bagent started again against Green Bay in Week 5, struggled, and was replaced late in the game by Keenum as the Bears lost.
- Williams practiced throughout the week leading into the Atlanta game after looking sharp during pregame warmups before the Packers loss.
Head coach Ben Johnson has not publicly committed to a quarterback for Sunday. Williams’ designation means Chicago could wait until closer to kickoff before making its final decision.
Williams’ possible return
The 2024 No. 1 overall selection has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception this season. His injury came during the Vikings game, which remains one of only two appearances he has made in 2024.
If cleared to play, Williams would face Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the first time. Penix, another first-round quarterback from the 2024 draft class, is coming off a ribs injury suffered in Week 5.
Next kickoff
The Bears enter Sunday at 3-2, while the Falcons are 2-3. Kickoff at Atlanta is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
