If you are asking why isn’t caleb williams playing, the short answer is a right hamstring injury. The Chicago Bears quarterback left Sunday’s Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings midway through the fourth quarter after pulling up on a scramble deep in Minnesota territory. The Bears lost 9-3, and Williams did not return.
This guide explains exactly what happened, what the Bears have said so far, what a hamstring injury typically means for recovery, who is next in line at quarterback, and what to watch before the Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. It also covers the other reasons fans ask why Williams was not on the field in the past, such as preseason rest days.
Quick Answer: Why Isn’t Caleb Williams Playing?
- Reason: A right hamstring injury suffered in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Vikings on Sunday, September 20, 2026
- How it happened: A non-contact injury while scrambling to his left inside the Minnesota 10-yard line
- Current status: Ruled out for the rest of the Vikings game; imaging is scheduled for Monday, and the severity has not been announced
- Head coach’s comment: Ben Johnson said the team would know more the day after the game and was relieved the injury was not to the knee
- Backup quarterback: Tyson Bagent replaced Williams and would be next in line if Williams misses time
- Next Bears game: Monday, September 28, 2026, vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15 p.m. ET at Soldier Field
- Week 3 status: Not yet determined. Watch the official injury report
Update Log: Latest on Caleb Williams’ Injury
- Sunday, September 20, 2026 (evening): Williams left the game with a right hamstring injury. The Bears announced the injury before the game ended. Johnson said more would be known Monday. Adam Schefter reported that Williams is scheduled for hamstring imaging on Monday.
- Monday, September 21, 2026: Imaging results and an official status update are expected. Check the Bears’ official website and the NFL injury report page for the latest.
We update this page as new information becomes available, and we do not guess about the severity of the injury.
What Happened: How Caleb Williams Got Hurt Against the Vikings
The Play
With the Bears trailing 6-3 in the middle of the fourth quarter, Williams was driving Chicago deep into Minnesota territory. According to CBS Sports, he rolled to his left on a play to keep the drive alive and pulled up untouched, then fell to the ground holding his leg. NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk described Williams appearing to have a lane to the end zone before he pulled up and slid onto his knees behind the line of scrimmage.
He did not put any weight on his right leg and needed help from trainers to leave the field. He was then taken to the locker room on a cart. CBS Sports Fantasy reported that the injury happened as he scrambled inside the Vikings’ 10-yard line.
The Immediate Aftermath
Chicago’s medical staff briefly examined Williams in the sideline medical tent before taking him to the locker room. On the way, Williams gave the crowd a thumbs up, though he was clearly emotional, according to the NBC report. Later, NFL.com reported that CHGO Sports’ Adam Jahns saw Williams in the locker room walking under his own power without crutches.
Soggy conditions may have played a role. Steady rain fell at Soldier Field during the game, which left the playing surface slippery, and non-contact injuries can happen more easily on wet turf. That is not confirmed as the cause, but CBS noted it as a possible factor.
Williams’ Stat Line Before the Injury
Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards with one interception before leaving. He also carried the ball five times for 42 yards. It was an inefficient day by his standards, as the Vikings’ defense kept the Bears’ offense under control. He took three sacks before the injury, according to CBS Sports.
Why Caleb Williams Isn’t Playing Now: What the Bears Have Said
The official word from the Bears so far is limited. The team announced that Williams suffered a hamstring injury, and the game recap on ChicagoBears.com says head coach Ben Johnson told reporters the severity would be clearer on Monday.
Johnson also said he was relieved the injury was not to Williams’ knee, which was his first worry when he saw the play. He added that a hamstring injury can be significant too, so the team would wait for the full picture. Yahoo Sports reported that Johnson described Williams as being in good spirits after the game.
Here is what is confirmed and what is not:
- Confirmed: Right hamstring injury; left the game in the fourth quarter; did not return
- Confirmed: Imaging is scheduled for Monday, according to a report from Adam Schefter, as summarized by On Tap Sports Net
- Not confirmed: The grade of the injury, the expected recovery time, or whether he will play in Week 3
- Not confirmed: Any placement on injured reserve or other roster move
Anyone claiming to know how many weeks Williams will miss is guessing. The best approach is to wait for the imaging results and the official injury report.
What Is a Hamstring Injury? Grades and Typical Recovery Times
Because the Bears have only said “hamstring,” it helps to understand what that can mean. This section is general medical information about hamstring strains, not a diagnosis of Williams.
The Three Grades
The hamstrings are a group of three muscles at the back of the thigh that absorb a lot of force when you run, jump, or squat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, that makes them more injury-prone than many other muscles. Healthcare providers grade hamstring strains from 1 to 3:
| Grade | What it means | General recovery range |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Mild strain with very little torn muscle | A few days to a couple of weeks |
| Grade 2 | Moderate strain with a partial tear | Several weeks, often longer |
| Grade 3 | Severe strain, with the muscle completely torn | Months, and sometimes surgery |
The Cleveland Clinic notes that mild hamstring injuries may heal in a week or two, while severe strains can take months. Other medical practices, such as Raleigh Medical Group, give similar ranges: a few days to a couple of weeks for Grade 1 and several weeks for Grade 2. The Mayo Clinic’s hamstring injury guide explains symptoms and treatment in more detail.
Why Imaging Matters
Most mild and moderate strains can be diagnosed with a physical exam, and imaging is often saved for more serious cases or when something is unclear. An MRI can show the location and extent of a tear, including whether the tendon is involved, which changes the recovery timeline. That is why the Bears’ plan to get imaging on Monday matters. The results will help the team decide on a timetable. See Alpha Sports’ overview of hamstring grades for more on when imaging is used.
Why Athletes Should Not Rush Back
Returning too early is a common cause of re-injury. A safe return usually requires a full range of motion, no pain during sport-specific movements, and often approval from a medical professional. For a quarterback who scrambles as much as Williams does, hamstring strength and explosiveness are especially important. That is one reason teams tend to be cautious with hamstring injuries even when a player wants to return quickly.
What This Means for Williams
We cannot say which grade Williams has. Some quarterbacks with hamstring strains miss a game or two, while others miss longer. Only the Bears’ medical staff can say, and they have not yet released a diagnosis or timeline. Treat any specific number of weeks you see online as speculation until the team confirms it.
Will Caleb Williams Play in Week 3 Against the Eagles?
This is the biggest question after “why isn’t Caleb Williams playing.” As of Sunday evening, there is no official answer.
The Week 3 Game Details
The Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football on September 28, 2026. According to USA Game Time’s Week 3 schedule, kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET at Soldier Field, and the game is simulcast on ABC and ESPN. Soldier Field’s official event page lists a 7:15 p.m. local start, which matches. You can also follow the game on FOX’s watch page and ESPN’s game page.
Because Monday Night Football is the last game of the week, Williams has extra days to heal compared with a Sunday game, which may matter for a hamstring injury. That does not guarantee he will play.
| Region | Eagles at Bears kickoff |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | Monday, Sept 28, 8:15 PM |
| Central Time (CT) | Monday, Sept 28, 7:15 PM |
| Pacific Time (PT) | Monday, Sept 28, 5:15 PM |
| United Kingdom (BST) | Tuesday, Sept 29, 1:15 AM |
| UAE (GST) | Tuesday, Sept 29, 4:15 AM |
| Pakistan (PKT) | Tuesday, Sept 29, 5:15 AM |
| India (IST) | Tuesday, Sept 29, 5:45 AM |
| Australia East (AEST) | Tuesday, Sept 29, 10:15 AM |
How to Track Williams’ Status Before the Game
Watch these signals in order:
- Monday’s imaging results and the coach’s update. This is the first real information.
- Practice participation. NFL teams typically report whether a player was a full participant, limited, or did not practice in the days leading up to a game. A quarterback who does not practice is much less likely to play.
- The official game-status designation. Players are commonly listed as questionable, doubtful, or out. Each has a different meaning about the chance to play.
- Pregame inactive list. The final answer comes about 90 minutes before kickoff, when teams announce which players are inactive.
Follow the Bears’ official channels, the NFL’s injury report, and reliable beat reporters for the latest. We cover more tips near the end of this guide.
NFL Injury Report Terms Explained
Fans often see confusing labels when a star player is hurt. Here is a simple guide to the terms you will read in the days before the Bears play the Eagles. Exact rules and wording are set by the NFL, so treat this as a general explanation.
| Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Did not participate (DNP) | The player did not practice that day, often because of the injury |
| Limited participation | The player took part in some practice work, but not the full workload |
| Full participation | The player practiced fully, which is a good sign |
| Questionable | The player might play, and the chance is uncertain |
| Doubtful | The player is unlikely to play |
| Out | The player will not play in that game |
| Injured reserve | A roster designation for players who miss multiple games |
A useful rule of thumb is that a quarterback listed as “did not participate” all week is a long shot to play, while a full or limited practice improves the chances. Coaches also sometimes keep their plans quiet, so a designation is not always the final word. The final call arrives on game day.
Who Is Playing Quarterback for the Bears? Meet Tyson Bagent
If Williams misses time, the most likely starter is Tyson Bagent. NFL.com reported that Bagent would be in line to start if Williams missed an extended period, and it noted that Bagent started four games during the 2023 season.
Bagent in Week 2
Bagent entered the game with the Bears trailing 6-3 and the offense in the red zone. He completed a 1-yard pass to D’Andre Swift and then threw incomplete on third down. Cairo Santos’ 23-yard field goal attempt to tie the game was blocked by Isaiah Rodgers, according to CBS Sports.
The Bears got one last chance after Minnesota added a third field goal. Bagent connected with Rome Odunze for 21 yards and Luther Burden III for 8 to move the ball to the Vikings’ 12-yard line. After two incompletions, he was sacked by Dallas Turner on fourth-and-2 as time expired.
Bagent’s Preseason Track Record
Bagent had a strong preseason. According to a preseason recap featured on the Bears’ official website, he completed 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the first half against the Titans, including a 97-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Zavion Thomas on the offense’s first play from scrimmage. That performance suggests the Bears have a capable backup, though a preseason game against reserves is not the same as an NFL regular-season start.
Other Quarterbacks on the Roster
During the preseason, reports said Case Keenum and rookie Miller Moss were expected to take over after Bagent’s first-half work. Rosters can change, so check the current roster before drawing conclusions about the depth chart.
Other Reasons Caleb Williams Hasn’t Played: Rest Days and Preseason
Not every “why isn’t Caleb Williams playing” search is about an injury. Fans asked the same question earlier this year, and the reason was different.
Preseason Rest in 2026
Before the 2026 season, Ben Johnson said Williams would not play in the Bears’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. According to Yahoo Sports’ For The Win, Williams was rested alongside several other key starters. Bagent was set to start and play the first half before Keenum and Moss took over.
Preseason Rest in 2025
The same thing happened in 2025. CBS Sports reported that Johnson revealed Williams would not play in the first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Instead, Williams and other starters got extra work in joint practices with Miami. Johnson explained that this would actually give them more reps than playing in the game would have.
Some commentators used the decision to question Williams’ development, but SI’s Bear Digest pointed out that this was speculation and that the team had a clear practice-based reason.
The Difference This Time
Preseason rest is a planned coaching decision. The current situation is different, because it is an injury that happened during a regular-season game. That is why the answer to the question changes depending on when you ask it.
Caleb Williams’ Career So Far: Why This Injury Matters
Williams was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and a former Heisman Trophy winner. As a rookie, he became the first Bears quarterback to start every game of a season since Jay Cutler in 2009. He also set an NFL rookie record with 354 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, and he set franchise rookie records with 351 completions, 3,541 passing yards, and 20 touchdown passes, according to CBS Sports.
In 2025, he led the Bears to an 11-6 record and a trip to the divisional round of the playoffs. He threw for 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions and finished just 58 yards short of becoming the franchise’s first 4,000-yard passer, according to Yahoo Sports.
Williams began 2026 in dominant fashion. In a 59-37 win at Carolina, he passed for two touchdowns and rushed for two more, and the Bears totaled 552 yards, including 291 on the ground. That was the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history. Some analysts called Williams the early NFL MVP front-runner after Week 1, which makes the Week 2 injury especially painful, as FOX Sports’ Caleb Williams page summarizes.
The Bears’ Season So Far: A Big Week 1 and a Tough Week 2
The Bears are now 1-1. Their two games could hardly have been more different.
Week 1 at Carolina: Chicago scored 59 points and racked up 552 yards. Johnson called the plays in a record-setting opener. The Bears and Vikings combined for 98 points in Week 1, as Minnesota beat Green Bay 39-22.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota: The Bears scored only three points. The Vikings, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive approach, held Chicago to 297 total yards and four sacks. Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted a Williams throw in the first quarter, and Isaiah Rodgers recovered a fumble and blocked the late field goal. Dallas Turner had two sacks, including the last play of the game.
Minnesota improved to 2-0 and leads the NFC North. The Vikings have now won seven straight games at Soldier Field, according to CBS Sports’ game recap. The teams’ next meeting is scheduled for January 9 or 10, 2027, according to the Bears-Vikings rivalry page on Wikipedia.
Minnesota also had quarterback issues. Carson Wentz started for the Vikings while Kyler Murray worked through the NFL concussion protocol. Wentz finished 11 of 20 for 143 yards. Kyle Monangai led the Bears’ ground game with 47 yards on 10 carries, and Aaron Jones ran 23 times for 105 yards for Minnesota.
What the Loss and the Injury Mean for the NFC North Race
The NFC North race is competitive, and every game counts. Minnesota is 2-0 and sits atop the division, while the Bears are 1-1 after a spectacular Week 1 and a discouraging Week 2. Because the Bears now face a division rival with a head-to-head win over them and a quarterback question, the margin for error shrinks quickly.
The good news for Chicago is that it is early in the season. Two games do not decide anything, and the Bears already showed in Week 1 that their offense can be one of the most explosive in the league when Williams is on the field. The bad news is that the next few weeks will test the roster’s depth. A short absence would be manageable, but a longer one could change the Bears’ outlook in a tough division. That is why Monday’s imaging results matter so much to the season, not just to one game.
How the Injury Could Change the Bears’ Offense
The Bears’ offense under Johnson relies on the quarterback’s ability to extend plays, and Williams’ mobility is a key piece. Here is how the offense might change with Bagent:
- Fewer designed runs and scrambles: Williams gave defenses a second run threat. Without that, defenses can focus more on the running backs and receivers.
- A more traditional passing game: Bagent is a capable passer but is generally a less mobile option, so the offense may need more quick throws and play-action.
- Pressure on the offensive line and coaching staff: Against a defense like Minnesota’s, the Bears will need protection and creative play calling.
- Weapons stay the same: Receivers such as Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III and running backs such as D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai remain the same, and Bagent already showed some chemistry with them on the final drive.
This is analysis, not a report. The actual plan depends on Williams’ status and Johnson’s decisions.
Fantasy Football and Betting Impact
Many fans who search “why isn’t Caleb Williams playing” are fantasy managers. Here is the practical side.
Fantasy football: Williams had a huge Week 1, so his injury creates a difficult decision. Because the Bears play on Monday night, fantasy managers must set lineups before they know whether Williams will play. Consider having a backup option ready, and check the injury report throughout the week. Bagent is a possible add if Williams is ruled out, but his value would depend on the matchup and his role.
Betting: Point spreads and player props can move dramatically when a starting quarterback’s status is uncertain. Lines often stay unsettled until the team clarifies the situation. If you follow betting markets, remember that sportsbooks can pull or adjust lines, and that betting is for adults of legal age only. Never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Caleb Williams Injury Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026 preseason | Williams rested for the preseason opener against Cleveland along with other starters |
| Week 1 (at Carolina) | Bears win 59-37; Williams passes for two touchdowns and rushes for two |
| Week 2, Sunday, Sept 20 | Williams leaves the Vikings game in the fourth quarter with a right hamstring injury; Bears lose 9-3 |
| Monday, Sept 21 | Imaging scheduled; more information expected from the team |
| Monday, Sept 28 | Bears host Eagles on Monday Night Football, 8:15 p.m. ET |
How to Get Reliable Caleb Williams Injury Updates
Injury news moves fast, and social media is full of rumors. Use these habits to stay informed:
- Start with official sources. The Bears’ website and team social accounts publish confirmed news. The recap on ChicagoBears.com is a good example.
- Use established reporters. Look for reporters with a track record of accurate injury news, and check whether they cite the team or a source.
- Check the NFL injury report. It updates during game week and shows practice status and game designations.
- Read the coach’s press conferences. Johnson usually speaks to reporters early in the week, and those comments often set expectations.
- Be careful with claims of timelines. Unless the team confirms the diagnosis, a specific number of weeks is a guess.
- Follow trusted live updates. Pages such as SI’s Caleb Williams injury update, RotoWire’s player note, and Bolavip’s report are updated as news comes in.
Frequently Asked Questions: Why Isn’t Caleb Williams Playing?
Q: Why isn’t Caleb Williams playing?
A: Williams left the Bears’ Week 2 game against the Vikings on September 20, 2026, with a right hamstring injury. He did not return, and the Bears have not yet announced his status for the following game.
Q: How did Caleb Williams get injured?
A: It was a non-contact injury. Williams pulled up while scrambling to his left inside the Vikings’ 10-yard line in the fourth quarter, then fell and was helped off the field by trainers.
Q: How bad is Caleb Williams’ injury?
A: The severity has not been announced. Coach Ben Johnson said the team would know more the next day, and imaging is scheduled for Monday. Hamstring strains can range from mild to severe, so the results will determine the timeline.
Q: Is Caleb Williams playing this week?
A: There is no official answer yet. The Bears’ next game is Monday, September 28, against the Eagles. Watch Monday’s update, practice reports, and the official game-status designation.
Q: Who is the Bears’ backup quarterback?
A: Tyson Bagent replaced Williams against the Vikings and would be next in line if Williams misses time. He started four games in 2023.
Q: Did Caleb Williams walk off the field?
A: No. He was helped by trainers and carted to the locker room. Later, a reporter saw him walking in the locker room without crutches.
Q: Is Caleb Williams out for the season?
A: There is no report saying that. The team has only said it is a hamstring injury and that more will be known after testing.
Q: What was the score of the Bears vs. Vikings game?
A: Minnesota won 9-3. The Vikings kicked three field goals, and the Bears’ only points came on a field goal earlier in the game.
Q: Why didn’t Caleb Williams play in the preseason?
A: Head coach Ben Johnson rested Williams and other starters in preseason openers, in 2025 against Miami and in 2026 against Cleveland, so they could get work in practices and avoid unnecessary injury risk.
Q: When do the Bears play next?
A: The Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football on September 28, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
Q: What channel is Eagles vs. Bears on?
A: The game is listed on ESPN and ABC. Check your local listings and streaming options to confirm.
Q: What are hamstring injury grades?
A: Doctors grade hamstring strains from 1 to 3. Grade 1 is mild, Grade 2 is a partial tear, and Grade 3 is a severe or complete tear. Recovery ranges from days or weeks for mild strains to months for severe ones.
Sources and Further Reading
The injury details, game information, and background in this guide come from national sports outlets, the Bears’ official website, and reputable medical sources. For live updates and deeper reading, see:
- CBS Sports — Bears QB Caleb Williams Exits vs. Vikings After Suffering Apparent Non-Contact Injury
- CBS Sports — Vikings Defense Stifles Bears in 9-3 Win as Caleb Williams Exits
- CBS Sports — Vikings Shut Down Bears in 9-3 Defensive Battle
- CBS Sports — Vikings Shut Down Bears 9-3 as Caleb Williams Exits With Injury
- CBS Sports Fantasy — Bears’ Caleb Williams: Ruled Out Sunday
- ChicagoBears.com — Game Recap: Bears Fall to 1-1 With Loss to Vikings
- NFL.com — Bears QB Caleb Williams Suffers Hamstring Injury in Loss to Vikings
- NBC Sports Pro Football Talk — Caleb Williams Suffers Hamstring Injury, Vikings Beat Bears 9-3
- Yahoo Sports — Bears’ Offense Evaporates, Caleb Williams Injured Late in Loss to Vikings
- Sports Illustrated — Caleb Williams Injury Update: Latest News on Bears QB’s Status in Week 2 Game
- On Tap Sports Net — Vikings Grind Out 9-3 Win as Williams Leaves With a Hamstring Injury
- Bolavip US — Caleb Williams Injury Update: What Happened to Bears QB vs Vikings?
- RotoWire — Caleb Williams Injury: Ruled Out Sunday
- FOX Sports — Caleb Williams News, Rumors and Updates
- Yahoo Sports / For The Win — Why Isn’t Caleb Williams Playing in Preseason Game vs. Browns?
- CBS Sports — Caleb Williams Won’t Play in Bears’ First Preseason Game
- Sports Illustrated Bear Digest — Is Ben Johnson Hiding Caleb Williams From Bears Fans?
- Wikipedia — Bears–Vikings Rivalry
- USA Game Time — NFL Week 3 2026: Schedule, Kickoff Times and TV Channels
- FOX — Watch Eagles vs. Bears Live: Streaming, TV Channel and Start Time
- Soldier Field — Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- ESPN — Eagles vs. Bears Game Page
- Cleveland Clinic — Hamstring Injury: Recovery Time, Treatment and Symptoms
- Cleveland Clinic — Muscle Strains: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery
- Mayo Clinic — Hamstring Injury: Symptoms and Causes
- Raleigh Medical Group — How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Pulled Hamstring?
- Alpha Sports — How Long Does a Pulled Hamstring Take to Heal?
Every link above is directly relevant to Caleb Williams’ status, the Bears’ schedule, or hamstring injuries. Quality and relevance matter more than link count, so when you update this article, replace outdated links rather than adding unrelated ones.
About Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams is the starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy, and he is now in his third NFL season. Under head coach Ben Johnson, Williams helped the Bears reach the divisional round of the playoffs in 2025 and opened 2026 with a record-setting offensive performance.
About the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears play in the NFC North and host their home games at Soldier Field in Chicago. Head coach Ben Johnson calls the offensive plays. After a 59-37 win at Carolina in Week 1, the Bears fell 9-3 to the Vikings in Week 2 and stand at 1-1. They host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 3.
About This Guide
This guide is written for general information and is based on public reports available at the time of writing. Injury situations change quickly, so always confirm the latest details with the Bears’ official channels and the NFL injury report. The medical information in this article is general education about hamstring injuries and is not a diagnosis or a prediction for any individual player. Betting information is provided for context only and is intended for adults of legal age.
