The Chicago Bears‘ season started with such promise. Unfortunately, as can so often happen with this team, the football gods delivered a gut punch. On a rainy, wind-swept Soldier Field on Sunday, the Bears were locked in a defensive battle with the rival Minnesota Vikings. Trailing 6-3 with under 8 minutes left, quarterback Caleb Williams drove the team deep into Vikings territory. It looked like they had a shot to take the lead. Then the Bears quarterback hit the turf, writhing in pain. The fact that he wasn’t touched on the play immediately set off alarm bells.
Sure enough, Williams was helped to the sideline and, after a short stint in the blue medical tent, was carted to the locker room. Based on how the play unfolded and his reaction, many people immediately feared the worst. It’s possible that Williams tore his Achilles. If that is the case, his season is over before it barely began. Remember, the Bears weren’t viewed as a team capable of surviving a loss of this magnitude. Williams is a vital component of their success. His going down was an apocalyptic outcome.
There is a small sliver of hope for Caleb Williams.
David Chao was a doctor in the NFL for several years. He’s developed a reputation as a medical expert who makes accurate diagnoses based on video evidence. From what he saw of the play, his initial reaction was that Williams suffered a hamstring injury. Further tests will be needed. If that is indeed the outcome, the quarterback is likely looking at a short-term stint on Injured Reserve. That would mean missing a month of action. That would be the far preferred outcome. No doubt news will be forthcoming after the game.
Update: Initial announcement is a hamstring.
Shortly after this was published, multiple insiders reported that Caleb Williams was out with a hamstring injury. That is as good an outcome as you can ask for, given the state of things. Next comes determining the severity. If it’s a strain, Williams is likely looking at a month out to recover. If it’s a complete tear? He’s staring down a minimal three-month absence. Either way, the path ahead seems pretty clear. Tyson Bagent will step into the starting role for at least the next few games.
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The Bears have expressed complete confidence in their young backup for years. He was excellent in the preseason again and does have some starting experience. He started 4 games in 2023 in place of the injured Justin Fields and went 2-2. He’s playing in a much more talented and well-coached offense this time around. Will that be enough? It will have to be. Otherwise, the Bears are staring down a significant regression after last year went so well.
This will be by far the biggest test of Ben Johnson’s coaching career. He’s always had a healthy quarterback during his tenures, even dating back to his time in Detroit. He’s never had to go on an extended stint with a backup. Can he make the necessary adjustments? We’ll soon find out with the schedule not getting any easier.
