Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams Sidelined, Bears' QB Mystery Won't Be Solved Until Monday Night 1
Caleb Williams will miss his first game as a Chicago Bear after suffering an injury late in last week’s loss at Minnesota. The setback comes at a difficult time for a team that scored 59 points in its season opener.
Williams hurt his right hamstring during a scramble in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Vikings. He did not practice this week, and Chicago has ruled him out for Monday night’s game against Philadelphia.
Caleb Williams Is Out, but Chicago Has No Clear Replacement
The Bears will start either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum. The decision may not come until Monday night because Bagent is still working through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against the Minnesota VikingsChicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against the Minnesota Vikings
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Bagent returned to practice Saturday and worked without limitations after making progress through the protocol. However, he remains listed as questionable, so Chicago cannot assume he will be cleared to play.
That leaves Keenum as a serious option. The 38-year-old has not started a regular-season game since 2023, but he has made 66 career starts and thrown for 15,175 yards.
Chicago Bears, Tyson BagentChicago Bears, Tyson Bagent
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) looks to pass the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Keenum ran the first-team offense during Friday’s practice since Williams and Bagent were out. That practice time is going to be huge if Bagent doesn’t get cleared to play.
Ben Johnson said the two quarterbacks offer different skills. Bagent is more mobile, while Keenum brings much more experience.
“We will come together as a coaching staff to ensure we are completely aligned on our decision,” Johnson added.
More about Bears QB Caleb Williams being ruled out for Monday night vs. the Eagles and backup QB Tyson Bagent returning to practice today, via @CourtneyRCronin:https://t.co/8nmcEmZeKV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 26, 2026
The Bears literally have two totally different paths for replacing Williams. But they can’t just plug in the next QB on the depth chart and call it a day. There’s way more to it.
Bears Are Losing More Than Their Starting Quarterback
Williams went first overall in 2024 and hadn’t missed a single game for Chicago since, but the injury is snapping that streak this Monday in Philadelphia. The timing is terrible because he was putting up crazy numbers at the start of the 2026 season. Across just two games, he dropped 407 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus 107 rushing yards and two more scores for a 92.0 passer rating.
Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesJun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Those numbers show how much Williams contributed as both a passer and runner. His absence removes the player who scored four touchdowns in Chicago’s first two games.
The timing also matters because the Bears’ offense has already shown two very different sides this season. Chicago scored 59 points against Carolina before managing only three points against Minnesota.
Philadelphia will now face a Bears offense without its starting quarterback. Bagent has NFL experience and knows the system, while Keenum has far more regular-season starts and has spent two seasons helping develop the quarterback room.
Chicago has made its decision on Williams by ruling him out. The Bears still must decide which quarterback will get the next opportunity.
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