Bears QB Caleb Williams is 'week to
week' with hamstring injury, coach Ben Johnson says
[September 22, 2026]
By JAY COHEN
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson called Caleb
Williams’ right hamstring injury a “week-to-week” situation while
offering a largely positive update a day after the quarterback was
helped off the field and carted to the locker room.
Williams left Sunday’s 9-3 loss to Minnesota after he got hurt on a
scramble deep in Vikings territory with about 7 1/2 minutes left.
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft was replaced by Tyson Bagent.
Johnson said he doesn’t think Williams will practice this week, but
he isn’t ruling him out for Chicago's matchup with the Philadelphia
Eagles next Monday night.
“He’s right now working through every avenue that he’s got available
to get back on track here," Johnson said. “We’ll see what that looks
like. Here’s what I know: This guy’s a little bit different than the
average human being. ... He gets back, he has in the past, a lot
faster than what people can anticipate. I’m not putting a timeline
on this. We’re going to say week to week.”
After the home game against Philadelphia, the Bears (1-1) take on
the New York Jets on Oct. 4 before visiting the Green Bay Packers on
Oct. 11.
Playing in a steady rain at Soldier Field, Williams was 15 for 26
for 138 yards with an interception. He also had five carries for 42
yards against Minnesota.
The 24-year-old Williams had a towel over his head after he first
got on the cart for the trip to the locker room. He took the towel
off as the cart moved along the sideline and pumped his right arm to
rev up the sullen crowd of 58,914.
“We’ll see where he’s at as the week progresses and how long that
means, but it was somewhat encouraging the report that we got,”
Johnson said Monday.
If Williams is unable to go, Bagent would step in versus the Eagles.
The Bears also have Case Keenum on their roster.
Bagent was 5 for 9 for 54 yards against the Vikings. He had a
record-setting career at Division II Shepherd University before
signing with the Bears in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent.
“He’s got full confidence in himself. We have full confidence in
him,” offensive lineman Jonah Jackson said, “and we know he can dink
and dump the ball around and sling it and also get active with his
feet.”
Bagent, 26, made four starts while appearing in five games as
rookie, passing for 859 yards and three touchdowns with six
interceptions. He signed a two-year contract extension in August
2025.
“If it goes that route, I feel strongly about what he’s capable of
and our team does, too," Johnson said. “They know he’s a darn good
football player.”
What’s working
The rainy conditions helped, but the defense looked much better than
it did during a 59-37 win at Carolina in the opener. Minnesota went
3 for 13 on third down and finished with just 246 yards.
[to top of second column] |
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) lies on the field
during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota
Vikings in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman and defensive
lineman James Lynch tied for the team lead with seven tackles
apiece, and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo was credited with his first
sack since Sept. 8, 2025, also against the Vikings.
What needs help
Penalties are becoming a major issue. Chicago was flagged 11 times
on Sunday. Eight were accepted for a total of 58 yards, compared to
three for 25 for Minnesota.
Veteran center Garrett Bradbury was responsible for four of the
flags, two for holding and two for false starts. Bradbury was
acquired in an offseason trade with New England after Drew Dalman
decided to retire.
The Bears were penalized 12 times for 57 yards in Week 1, but their
offense was good enough to overcome the mistakes. That wasn’t the
case in the rain against the Vikings.
Stock up
Malik Muhammad picked up his first career sack on a blitz late in
the third quarter. The rookie cornerback had his first interception
in his NFL debut in Week 1.
The 22-year-old Muhammad was a fourth-round draft pick out of Texas.
Stock down
Sam Roush struggled in his first NFL home game. The rookie tight end
was flagged for an illegal shift with 3:02 left in the second
quarter, wiping out a 14-yard catch for Colston Loveland. He had a
chance for a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, but he was
unable to secure the ball before he was hit by Vikings safety Theo
Jackson.
Roush also was lined up on the same edge as Isaiah Rodgers when
Rodgers blocked Cairo Santos’ 23-yard field goal in the fourth.
Injuries
There was no update on cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who injured a
hamstring during Sunday's loss.
Key number
0 — Chicago went 0 for 3 in the red zone — all in the second half —
against Minnesota. It went 4 for 4 in the red zone in its Week 1
victory at Carolina.
Next steps
Chicago hosts the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night. The Bears
beat the Eagles 24-15 in Philadelphia on Nov. 28, rushing for 281
yards and two TDs in the impressive victory. The Bears lead 30-14-1
in the all-time series.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
