Brief

Caleb Williams sidelined for Week 5, possible return in Week 6

Williams missed Week 5 with a hamstring strain and could return as early as the Falcons matchup.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:16:23 GMT

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will not play in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he could be activated for Week 6 versus the Atlanta Falcons.

Williams suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain on a non‑contact play in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He was stretchered off at the six‑yard line and practiced on a limited basis on Friday, according to Bleacher Report, which cited Rapoport and The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero noted the Bears are willing to be patient, pointing to the Oct. 18 Falcons game and the Oct. 22 Patriots matchup as possible return dates. A longer 11‑day break between Weeks 7 and 8 would give Williams extra recovery time.

In Williams’ absence, Tyson Bagent started in Week 5, with veteran Case Keenum listed as the backup.

Key facts

• Caleb Williams is inactive for Week 5 vs. Packers (bleacherreport.com)
• He suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain in Week 2 vs. Vikings (bleacherreport.com)
• He could return for Week 6 vs. Falcons on Oct. 18 (bleacherreport.com)
• Tyson Bagent is the interim starter, Case Keenum is the backup (bleacherreport.com)

Sources

• [1] bleacherreport.com — originally reported as “Caleb Williams Injury Update, Latest Return Timeline for Bears QB”