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Bears' Williams Likely to Miss Time With Hamstring Injury
Confirmed
In Short: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is likely to miss some time after an MRI revealed a hamstring injury, according to head coach Ben Johnson.
Johnson said Monday on ESPN 1000 that Williams is expected to be “week-to-week” following the MRI exam.
Williams went down with the injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, struggling to stand before eventually being carted off the field.
The Bears' training staff rushed to Williams' side as he went down, and he was seen grabbing at his right leg while screaming in agony.
Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one interception before exiting the game, and rushed five times for 42 yards.
Bagent will be first in line to step in for Williams when the Bears face the Philadelphia Eagles at home next Monday night.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Riff said the recovery time could take weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
Given the fragility of hamstring injuries, the Bears could play it cautiously with Williams, who is known for his scrambling ability.
The question now is for how long Williams will be out and if the team can rally around Bagent in the meantime.
What this adds
The Bears' training staff and medical personnel are closely monitoring Williams' recovery, and his practice participation this week will be crucial for fantasy players.
The Bears' offense was the top NFL offense in Week 1, but the weather certainly affected their output in Week 2.
Background
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with a short-term soft-tissue injury, while Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper is considered week-to-week after an ankle sprain.
What's confirmed
- Johnson said Williams is likely to miss some time after Williams had an MRI Monday.
- Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has reportedly avoided a major injury to his hamstring, per Tom Pelissero.
- “It sounds like it’s going to be a week-to-week deal for him,” Johnson said, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
- Tyson Bagent will get the start if Williams is unable to go.
What's still developing
- The injury has led to a morning busy with fans and experts calling in at the 104.3 The Score, all of whom are expecting Williams to be out.
- Back up Bears quarterback, Tyson Bagent, stepped in to finished the game as Bears fell to the Vikings 9-3.
- If Williams cannot go in Week 3, Bagent will get his fifth career start for Chicago with the Eagles coming to town.
- The Bears were in position to at least tie the game with just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but Bagent was sacked by Dallas Turner on the final play at the Vikings' 12-yard line.
- While the weather certainly affected Chicago's offensive output in Week 2, the Bears were the top NFL offense in Week 1.
- In a radio interview with ESPN 1000 Chicago on Monday, head coach Ben Johnson noted that Williams is likely to be sidelined for a bit.
- “I gotta still talk with our trainer here, we'll do that here shortly, and I'll have the lowdown from him, but it sounds like it's week-to-week but will likely miss some time." Williams exited Sunday’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings after coming up lame on a scramble in the fourth quarter.
- With a soft-tissue injury, it will be interesting to see how willing Williams is to scamper when he returns.
- SOURCE: Kevin Patra – NFL.com Why It Matters: It seems like Williams will miss at least one game, but fantasy players can monitor his practice participation this week.
- Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
- Speaking during an appearance on ESPN 1000, Johnson provided an update following Williams’ morning MRI, noting the team expects the 24-year-old quarterback to be sidelined in the short term.
- Williams had a towel draped over his head as medical personnel carted him off the field, though he pulled it away to pump his right arm toward the cheering home crowd before entering the tunnel.