Caleb Williams expected to return for Bears against Falcons
Chicago is planning to start its quarterback after he missed three weeks with a hamstring injury, according to reports cited by the NFL.
The Chicago Bears are planning to start quarterback Caleb Williams against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, as reported by the NFL.
The matchup has not been played. Williams was listed as questionable on Friday after participating fully in practice throughout the week, following a three-week absence with a hamstring injury.
Chicago turns back to its starting quarterback
The Bears went 2-1 during Williams’ absence, with Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent taking turns at quarterback. Chicago beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 with Keenum and the New York Jets the following week with Bagent. Bagent started against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 but was replaced late by Keenum.
Williams was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His injury interrupted a run of 36 consecutive starts to begin his professional career, according to the NFL.
A first meeting with Michael Penix Jr.
If Williams plays, he will face Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the first time as a professional. Penix, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, is coming off a ribs injury sustained in Week 5.
In two games this season, including the Week 2 game in which he was injured, Williams has completed 65.5% of his passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, according to the NFL.
Bears seek ground in the NFC North
Chicago enters the matchup at 3-2, while Atlanta is 2-3. The NFL report noted that the Bears are seeking to defend their NFC North title and that the Minnesota Vikings were 5-0 at the time of the report.
The game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Williams’ expected return remains a reported plan, rather than a confirmed start.
Newsroom
Source: NFL.com, reporting on the expected Bears quarterback plan and the teams’ matchup.
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NFL
Official source · 17/10/2026 20:43
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