Caleb Williams inactive for Bears-Packers, giving Tyson Bagent the spotlight image
Matt Marton - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Chicago will face Green Bay at Lambeau Field without quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears listed Williams as inactive for Sunday’s game after he had been dealing with a hamstring injury.
The news adds another layer to one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries. Chicago enters at 3-1, while Green Bay is 2-2. The Bears had put together a strong start to the season, but now must adjust their offense for a divisional game that could shape the early NFC North race.
Tyson Bagent is expected to take over at quarterback. Chicago has already shown it can win with more than one quarterback this season, but a road matchup at Lambeau presents a different kind of test. The Packers know how important the game is, too: a win would help them close the gap in the division.
A major change to Chicago’s game plan
With Williams out, the Bears may need to simplify parts of the offense and lean more heavily on the run game and defense. Chicago’s defense has held opponents to 12 points or fewer in each of its last three games, giving the team a path to remain competitive even if the offense is forced to adapt.
Inactives for #CHIvsGB: https://t.co/naxqaxFcTP
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 11, 2026
The absence also puts immediate pressure on Bagent. He will be playing in one of the league’s most intense road environments, against a rival that would love to take advantage of Chicago’s quarterback change. Bagent’s ability to avoid mistakes and keep the offense on schedule could be central to the Bears’ chances.
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Green Bay has injury questions, too
The Packers are not entering the game at full strength. Their offensive line has been dealing with injuries, though veteran guard Kevin Zeitler is active after recently signing with the team.
That gives Sunday’s game an interesting contrast: Chicago must replace its starting quarterback, while Green Bay looks to stabilize its protection. The Bears’ strong defensive stretch gives them a reason to believe they can stay in the game, but the quarterback change raises the stakes for every offensive possession.
The rivalry rarely needs extra motivation. With Williams out and both teams trying to establish themselves in the NFC North, this meeting could quickly reshape the division picture.
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