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The Chicago Bears are approaching another important point in their 2026 NFL season without their starting quarterback. Caleb Williams missed the Week 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, leaving Tyson Bagent to lead the offense in one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries.
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Williams will now miss his third straight game, with the Bears sitting at 3-1 entering Sunday. Although he recently returned to practice, Chicago continues to evaluate when he can safely resume playing.
Caleb Williams Is Still Recovering From Hamstring Injury
Williams is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained during the Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 20. The injury has already kept him out of the team’s subsequent games against the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets, with Chicago winning both games.
The quarterback returned to practice on Friday, participating on a limited basis for the first time since the injury. However, the Bears ultimately listed him as inactive for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Caleb Williams on Track to Return in Week 6
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Williams is pushing to return for Chicago’s Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
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The quarterback’s return to practice represents progress in his rehabilitation. However, head coach Ben Johnson has refused to commit to a return date.
“Caleb Williams pushing to play next week.”
– @MikeGarafolo per multiple sources ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/UgrgSAqKfu
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 11, 2026
Chicago will monitor Williams throughout the coming week before deciding whether he is ready to play. If he is cleared, he could reclaim his starting role against Atlanta. If not, Tyson Bagent could make another start.
Williams has completed 36 of 55 passes for 407 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in two games this season. He also has 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
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This story was originally published October 11, 2026 at 9:56 AM.