Bears’ QB Caleb Williams expected to miss 3-4 weeks with Grade 2 hamstring strain

Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears’ quarterback, is expected to miss three to four weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Williams sustained the injury during a noncontact scramble in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9‑3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 20. He was unable to practice throughout the week and was ruled out for Monday night’s home game versus the Philadelphia Eagles, ending his streak of starting every regular‑season and playoff game since being selected first overall in the 2024 NFL draft. Head coach Ben Johnson initially described Williams’ status as week‑to‑week, calling the early medical evaluation encouraging. Updated imaging now points to a longer absence, although the three‑to‑four‑week timetable is not considered a firm return date. Reuters noted that Johnson previously highlighted Williams’ rapid recovery from prior injuries. If Williams misses three games, his earliest possible return could be October 18 at Atlanta, or potentially October 11 against Green Bay, depending on his progress. Through the first two games of the season, Williams has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Chicago will turn to either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum to start against Philadelphia. Bagent, who suffered a concussion when he replaced Williams versus Minnesota, completed the required protocol steps to practice on Saturday but remained in concussion protocol and was listed as questionable. Keenum would start if Bagent is not cleared.