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Caleb Williams returns to practice, Bears keep week-to-week

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 11:52 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Caleb Williams Returns

Caleb Williams returned to practice on Friday, his first participation since a hamstring injury.
Head coach Ben Johnson said Williams is progressively increasing running and throwing in rehab.
Johnson labeled Williams as week-to-week after diagnosing a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Tyson Bagent will start the Week 5 game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears have won three of four games without Williams, including victories over the Eagles and Jets.

Summary

Braxton Jones Injured

Bears’ offensive line earned a B+ grade in Q1 despite multiple injuries.
Left tackle Braxton Jones was placed on injured reserve after a knee injury, raising depth concerns.
Theo Benedet started at left tackle but remains third-string behind returning veteran Ozzy Trapilo.
Running back Kyle Monangai is sidelined with hip and lingering knee injuries, leaving the backfield uncertain.
Roschon Johnson is slated to assume primary carries.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, after a 7-9 season, the Bears placed quarterback Rex Grossman on injured reserve with a shoulder tear, logged twelve musculoskeletal injuries and cut five players. That forced Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo to add depth, a situation mirrored as quarterback Caleb Williams suffers a hamstring strain and left tackle Braxton Jones goes on IR, prompting coach Ben Johnson to adjust the roster.

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Caleb Williams Returns

Caleb Williams returned to practice on Friday, his first participation since a hamstring injury.
Head coach Ben Johnson said Williams is progressively increasing running and throwing in rehab.
Johnson labeled Williams as week-to-week after diagnosing a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Tyson Bagent will start the Week 5 game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears have won three of four games without Williams, including victories over the Eagles and Jets.

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