Caleb Williams is expected to return to the Chicago Bears’ starting lineup Sunday after a three-game absence, giving the club its franchise quarterback back for a road matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
Williams practiced fully throughout the week but carried a questionable designation on Friday as he continued to work back from a hamstring injury suffered in Chicago’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The injury ended the No. 1 overall pick’s streak of 36 consecutive starts to open his NFL career.
The Bears have navigated an uneven stretch without Williams, using both Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Keenum helped Chicago beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, while Bagent started the following week’s win over the New York Jets. Bagent remained the starter against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5, but was pulled late in the loss after struggling, with Keenum taking over.
Williams set for return in Atlanta
Chicago coach Ben Johnson had kept his quarterback plans largely private during the week. Williams, however, was a full participant in practice and had already looked sharp during pregame warmups before the Packers game.
In his two appearances this season, Williams has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 407 yards, with two touchdown throws and one interception. He was injured during the Vikings game in Week 2.
The Bears enter Sunday at 3-2 and are trying to stay within reach of the unbeaten Vikings, who lead the NFC North at 5-0. Chicago is looking to repeat as division champion.
First meeting with Michael Penix Jr.
Sunday will also bring Williams’ first NFL meeting with Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Both players were selected in the opening round of the 2024 draft, with Williams going first overall and the Falcons moving up to take Penix at No. 8.
Penix is coming off a rib injury sustained in Week 5. He and Williams will become the latest members of the high-profile 2024 quarterback class to face one another in the NFL.
Williams has already played against fellow first-round selections Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, Drake Maye of the New England Patriots and J.J. McCarthy, now with the New York Giants after beginning his career with the Minnesota Vikings. Penix and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had been the two first-round quarterbacks from that class whom Williams had not yet faced.
The Bears and Falcons are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET Sunday in Atlanta. The Falcons enter the game at 2-3.
