Williams still faces hurdles before return from hamstring injury

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is progressing in his recovery from a severe right hamstring tear and has resumed practice, but must pass medical tests before being cleared to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. His potential return is critical for the team's offense, though the Bears are prioritizing his long-term health amid ongoing concerns about re-injury.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is progressing toward a return from a significant right hamstring tear but must clear medical evaluations before being cleared to play in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Speaking Thursday at the team’s headquarters, Williams detailed the injury and outlined the steps remaining before his availability is confirmed.

“We’ll go through the stress test this week and at the end of the week we’ll make a decision if I’m good to go or not,” Williams said. “That’s for the betterment of myself and my health and then also for the betterment of the team.”

Williams resumed practicing Friday, marking his first on-field work since the injury sustained in Week 2. He has been participating fully in practice sessions this week, although Bears head coach Ben Johnson has yet to name a starting quarterback for the upcoming matchup in Atlanta.

The third-year signal caller missed three games after suffering the hamstring strain in the fourth quarter of Chicago’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The injury occurred on a first-and-goal play from the 6-yard line when Williams sprinted left toward the end zone and suddenly collapsed in pain.

Williams described the injury as “a pretty serious” hamstring tear. He acknowledged that recovery from such an injury takes considerable time, citing that “a hamstring of any person doesn’t fully heal after three weeks, four weeks—five months.” He also noted his prior experience with a hamstring injury in college while playing at USC.

Despite the severity, Williams said certain protocols and parameters can allow a player to return to the field while minimizing the risk of re-injury. He emphasized the need for caution throughout his rehabilitation and practice routines.

The Bears will evaluate his condition closely ahead of their Sunday game, balancing the urgency of his potential return with long-term health considerations. The team is coming off a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and Williams’ status remains a key factor in the offense’s outlook moving forward.

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