Overview
- Caleb Williams, who injured his right hamstring on Sept. 20, missed three games and was listed as questionable before practicing fully and taking first-team reps this week.
- Multiple NFL insiders reported Saturday that the Bears plan to start Williams on Sunday in Atlanta after he cleared the team’s practice progress without setbacks.
- Williams has publicly disputed early reports that labeled the injury a Grade 2 strain by calling it a hamstring tear and has criticized media coverage of his exit from the Minnesota game.
- Chicago went 2-1 without Williams but produced a season-low offensive performance in a 31-7 loss, increasing the urgency for his return to restore passing rhythm.
- If he plays, Williams will face Falcons starter Michael Penix Jr., who is expected to start despite a rib issue, and the matchup could shift game plans and short-term expectations for the Bears’ season.