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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams #18 on the sidelines during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Soldier Field, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Almost three weeks after pulling his hamstring in a loss to the Vikings, Williams participated in practice for the first time Friday. During the portion of practice open to the media, he stretched and jogged across the field with his fellow quarterbacks. Friday is the lightest of the Bears’ three practice days, and Williams was limited.
Bears coach Ben Johnson has already called Tyson Bagent his starter for the rivalry game. The Bears listed Williams as questionable to play.
The Bears play in Atlanta the following Sunday.
Johnson called Williams’ return date “to be determined.”
Williams threw to teammates on Wednesday after practice as part of his return-to-play progression.
“We’ve got him progressively increasing the amount of running that’s going on — and of course the throwing aspect of it is a big part of his position as well,” Johnson said before Friday’s practice. “Our guys have a good plan in place and we’re just going step by step with that right now and every couple of days we’re getting a throwing protocol in and making sure there are no setbacks. So far so good.”