Bears fans received a potentially encouraging update after Caleb Williams exited Chicago’s Week 2 loss to the Vikings with an injury. Williams left during the fourth quarter after going down on a scramble near the goal line.
Mike Florio provided an update during NBC’s broadcast of “Sunday Night Football.” Although the scene initially looked serious, Florio reported optimism that Williams did not suffer a severe injury.
“It looked bad, but I am told that there is optimism that it is not a severe injury,” Florio said. “It could be as slight as a Grade 1, that’s the lowest level of a hamstring injury…I’m told that Caleb is in good spirits to attack the recovery, whatever it may be.”
The possible Grade 1 diagnosis described by Florio would represent the lowest level of a hamstring injury. The full nature of the injury and Williams’ recovery remained undetermined in the update.
Florio also noted that Williams previously suffered a left hamstring injury while at USC. That experience means Williams is familiar with the recovery process for such an injury.
Williams was scrambling on first-and-goal when he went down. He could be heard screaming in agony while grabbing his right leg, creating a concerning scene late in the Bears’ loss.
Team personnel helped Williams off the field before he was taken to the locker room on a cart. He was visibly emotional but gave fans a thumbs-up as he neared the tunnel.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said his initial concern centered on Williams’ knee. Johnson expressed relief that the injury did not involve the knee, though he acknowledged that a hamstring injury could also be damaging.
“I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson told reporters postgame. “That was my first inclination, but the hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. We’ll see how bad it is tomorrow, and we’ll go from there.”
An additional update came from CHGO Sports’ Adam Jahns after Williams reached the locker room. Jahns reported that Williams was walking under his own power and was not using crutches.
Before leaving the game, Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and threw an interception. His injury brought Tyson Bagent into the game during the fourth quarter.
Bagent nearly guided the Bears to a comeback after replacing Williams. Chicago’s final opportunity ended when Bagent was sacked on fourth down in the red zone on the last play of the 9-3 loss.
The Bears will turn to Bagent as their starter if Williams is forced to miss games. Bagent has previous starting experience after making four starts in 2023.
Across those four starts, Bagent posted a 2-2 record. His possible return to the starting role depends on whether Williams’ hamstring injury keeps him out.
For now, Florio’s report offers optimism that the injury may not be severe, despite how alarming the play appeared. Johnson said the Bears would learn how bad the injury is and proceed from there.