Caleb Williams’ injury raises questions for Chicago
Caleb Williams’ Week 2 ended earlier than expected after a late-game moment changed the outlook for the Chicago Bears. The quarterback went down during a crucial sequence against the Minnesota Vikings, leaving teammates and fans waiting for more information.
With Chicago’s next matchup already approaching, questions are now surrounding Williams’ condition and what the Bears could do at quarterback. Here’s what happened and what we know so far.
Williams goes down near the goal line
The injury occurred with Chicago trailing Minnesota 6-3 and facing first-and-goal from the Vikings’ 6-yard line. Williams scrambled toward his left before falling during the play.
The quarterback grabbed his right leg and remained on the field while trainers evaluated him. Chicago then replaced him with backup quarterback Tyson Bagent for the rest of the game.
The Bears confirm a hamstring injury
Chicago’s postgame update identified Williams’ injury as a right hamstring issue rather than a knee injury. Head coach Ben Johnson said the team would learn more after additional testing.
Johnson said his initial concern had been Williams’ knee, but he confirmed the injury did not involve that area. He also said Williams was in good spirits after the Bears’ 9-3 loss.
Williams is now considered week to week
Williams underwent an MRI on Monday, September 21, after suffering the right hamstring injury against Minnesota. The Bears said the quarterback is now considered week to week, and coach Ben Johnson said Williams will likely miss some time.
The MRI did not show a significant injury, but Chicago has not given Williams a firm return date. Early reports described the injury as a possible Grade 1 strain, while the Bears have publicly emphasized his week-to-week status.
Williams exits after a difficult outing
Before leaving, Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one interception against Minnesota. He also carried the ball five times for 42 yards before the hamstring injury ended his afternoon.
The Bears had scored 59 points in their season-opening victory over Carolina one week earlier. Against Minnesota, Chicago scored only three points, with Williams leaving before the offense finished its late drive.
Tyson Bagent takes over at quarterback
Tyson Bagent entered after Williams was forced from the game and finished as Chicago’s quarterback. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards while trying to keep the Bears within one score.
Bagent helped move Chicago into Minnesota territory late in the fourth quarter. His final possession ended when Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner sacked him on fourth down near the goal line.
A potential tying kick is blocked
Tyson Bagent entered after Williams was forced from the game and finished as Chicago’s quarterback. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards while trying to keep the Bears within one score.
Bagent helped move Chicago into Minnesota territory late in the fourth quarter. His final possession ended when Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner sacked him on fourth down near the goal line.
Interesting fact: Tyson Bagent has four previous NFL starts. All four came during his 2023 rookie season, when he went 2–2 as a starter for Chicago.
The Bears fall to 1-1
Chicago entered the Vikings game after opening the 2026 season with a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The loss to Minnesota left the Bears with a 1-1 record after two games.
The Vikings won 9-3 at Soldier Field in a game dominated by field goals and defensive stops. Minnesota improved to 2-0, while Chicago produced 297 total yards without scoring a touchdown.
Interesting fact: Williams has already produced 49 passing touchdowns in his career. Through his first 36 games, he has thrown for 7,890 yards and 49 touchdowns, while adding 984 rushing yards.
Williams had started every NFL game
Williams had started Bears games since entering the NFL as 2024’s first pick. Reuters reported Sunday’s game was his 36th straight start before the injury forced him out.
During his 2025 season, Williams threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns while helping Chicago win the NFC North. He entered 2026 after posting 269 passing yards and two touchdowns in Week 1.
His previous hamstring injury was at USC
Williams previously sustained a left hamstring injury while playing college football at USC. The injury occurred during the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah before he entered the NFL.
Sunday’s injury involved his right hamstring, according to the Bears and multiple reports. After an MRI on Monday, the Bears said Williams was week to week, with coach Ben Johnson indicating he would likely miss some time.
The Week 3 matchup is against Philadelphia
Chicago’s next scheduled game is against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football on September 28. The Eagles are scheduled to visit the Bears at Soldier Field for the Week 3 matchup.
Williams’ availability remains uncertain, but the Bears now consider him week to week after his MRI. Head coach Ben Johnson said Williams will likely miss some time and said he does not expect him to practice this week, although he did not rule him out for the Eagles game.
The Bears await more medical information
The Bears have completed their medical evaluation of Williams’ right hamstring after he was removed from Sunday’s game. An MRI on Monday did not show a significant injury, and coach Ben Johnson said Williams is now considered week to week.
Early reports had suggested a possible Grade 1 strain, and Reuters later reported that diagnosis. Johnson has not provided a firm recovery timetable but said Williams will likely miss some time.
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Chicago prepares for the next update
The Bears left Week 2 with a 1-1 record and uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback. Williams underwent an MRI on Monday, and the Bears now consider him week to week after the evaluation.
Tyson Bagent finished Sunday’s game against Minnesota after Williams left with a hamstring injury. Chicago will continue monitoring Williams ahead of the Week 3 matchup against Philadelphia, with coach Ben Johnson saying the quarterback will likely miss some time.
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What do you think about Caleb Williams’ injury and the Bears’ outlook for Week 3? Like this post and comment with your thoughts on Williams’ status and Chicago’s next game.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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