Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to miss time after injuring his right hamstring in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, coach Ben Johnson said Monday.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter, appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” provided additional details about Williams’ condition.
“Ben Johnson said Caleb Williams is likely gonna miss time.. This morning he was in a lot more pain than last night and it doesn’t sound like he’s counting on him for next Monday night,” Schefter said.
Williams went down without contact late in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 defeat at rainy Soldier Field. He was scrambling toward the end zone when he pulled up, fell to the turf and screamed in pain.
Medical staff helped him off the field. He was later carted to the locker room with a towel over his head, then pumped his fist toward the crowd.
Johnson initially expressed relief that the injury did not involve Williams’ knee. He later described the hamstring issue as a “week-to-week deal” and said Williams “will likely miss some time.”
Williams underwent an MRI on Monday morning. Reports indicated he avoided a major tear, and the team has not officially ruled him out for next week.
The extra rest from a Monday night schedule could help, but Schefter’s update suggested Johnson is not planning on Williams being available.
The Bears host the 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 28 in a prime-time matchup at Soldier Field.
Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one interception before exiting Sunday. He also rushed five times for 42 yards.
In two games this season, Williams has completed 36 of 55 passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He has added 107 rushing yards and two scores on 15 carries.
Chicago opened the year with a 59-37 win at Carolina. The Bears now sit at 1-1.
Backup Tyson Bagent replaced Williams on Sunday and went five of nine for 54 yards. He was sacked on the final play.
Bagent started four games as a rookie in 2023, going 2-2. The Bears signed him to a two-year, $10 million extension last year.
Johnson has praised Bagent’s competitiveness and knowledge of the offense.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, had a breakout 2025 season. He set a Bears single-season passing record with 3,942 yards, threw 27 touchdowns and led Chicago to an NFC North title.
His mobility remains a key part of the offense under Johnson.
Hamstring strains vary in severity. A milder grade 1 strain can sideline a player one to three weeks, while more serious tears require longer recovery.
The Bears will evaluate Williams in practice this week before issuing an official injury report Thursday.
Johnson is scheduled to speak with reporters later Monday.
The Eagles enter the game as defending NFC champions and one of the league’s stronger teams early in the season.
Chicago’s offense exploded for 59 points in Week 1. A prolonged absence for Williams would test the depth behind him.
Bears tight end Colston Loveland said Williams addressed the team after Sunday’s loss and focused on bouncing back rather than his own injury. Williams was seen walking in the locker room afterward with only a slight limp.
The coming days will determine whether he can return sooner than expected or whether Bagent will start under the lights next Monday.
