Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams continues to work his way back from a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The injury forced him to miss the past two games, but recent updates show meaningful progress as he has resumed throwing and is gradually increasing his running workload under a careful return-to-play plan.
Caleb Williams spotted throwing in practice
Caleb Williams is recovering from a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. On September 20, 2026, the Bears quarterback went down with a non-contact injury while scrambling near the goal line in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 loss.
He was helped off the field and eventually carted to the locker room. Imaging confirmed a Grade 2 strain, an injury that typically sidelines players for three to four weeks. Williams was not placed on injured reserve, keeping open the possibility of an earlier return.
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) calls the snap count from shotgun formation against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
As of early October 2026, Williams has resumed throwing and is progressing through a structured return-to-play plan, but he is still working his way back to full-speed running. Bears coach Ben Johnson said Williams is “right on track.” “
“He’s right on track. We’ve got him throwing a little bit the other day, and we’ve got a progression set up for what that looks like. So, to be determined how long it’s going to be.” Ben Johnson said.
Williams is inching closer to a return, with the Bears’ upcoming games against Atlanta (Week 6) and New England (Week 7) viewed as more realistic targets than the Packers game.
Caleb Williams could return soon
Caleb Williams is not expected to play in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers. Although he was listed as questionable after a limited practice on Friday, head coach Ben Johnson has already named Tyson Bagent the starter. The Bears are taking a cautious approach with the Grade 2 hamstring strain Williams suffered in Week 2.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Williams could return sometime in the next several weeks. The most realistic windows currently discussed are Week 6 on October 18 at Atlanta, which would mark roughly four weeks since the injury and align with the original three-to-four-week recovery estimate, or Week 7 on October 22 against New England in a Thursday night home game.
The Bears have a longer break after Week 7, with an 11-day gap before Week 8, which could also factor into the decision if they decide to hold him out a bit longer. Coach Ben Johnson has avoided setting a firm date. But the team has not placed him on injured reserve, keeping flexibility for an earlier return if his rehab continues without setbacks.
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