Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ending a three-game absence caused by a right hamstring injury.

Williams sustained the injury in the Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which interrupted his streak of 36 consecutive regular-season starts. He first took part in limited practice on October 9 and gradually increased his workload throughout the week. Bears head coach Ben Johnson expressed cautious optimism ahead of the matchup, noting Williams had looked good in practice but emphasizing the importance of consecutive sessions before fully clearing him to play.

“We’ve got to be able to stack a few back to back,” Johnson said prior to Friday’s practice. “Part of the plan, and he’s on track right now.”

During Williams’ absence, the Bears compiled a 2-1 record, with backup quarterbacks Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum stepping in. However, the team’s passing game struggled, highlighted by a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday in which the offense committed five turnovers. The Bears are preparing for a quick turnaround, as they will host the New England Patriots on Thursday night in Week 7.

Williams undertook an individual throwing session on Wednesday, was a full participant during Thursday and Friday practices, and was subjected to additional stress testing later in the week to confirm his readiness. The quarterback expressed confidence in his recovery after Thursday’s session, saying, “I trust myself. I trust my body. I trust my guys. And so, if I’m out there, it’s full trust. If I’m not out there, I need a little more time.”

All indications by the end of the week pointed toward Williams resuming his role as the Bears’ starting quarterback for the matchup against the Falcons.