However, Williams finds himself locked in a financial standoff with the league office. After Williams stated he intended to keep wearing his unapproved footwear, the NFL reportedly doubled its fine against the Bears quarterback from $11,941 to $23,800 for a repeat violation, according to independent NFL reporter Dov Kleiman.

The ruling could have broader ramifications across the league. While NFL uniform regulations allow players to wear footwear from non-partner brands, they mandate that all unapproved logos be taped over or blacked out, an issue that could trigger further fines for other players who fail to properly conceal non-licensed branding.

As the league turns its attention to the next slate of games—with the Denver Broncos ruling out running back RJ Harvey for their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs—Chicago prepares to test itself against the reigning champions, who remain dangerous despite stumbling to an uncharacteristic 4-3 start.

Williams shines despite NFL footwear crackdown

Despite the league’s pushback, Williams openly defended his choice, citing the brand’s rotational stud technology designed to protect joint health following a recent hamstring injury, and pledged to continue wearing them.

The footwear flap did nothing to slow down Williams’ on-field production; in fact, he delivered back-to-back masterclasses. In his Week 6 debut with the cleats against the Atlanta Falcons, Williams dismantled the defense with pinpoint accuracy, completing 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown. Operating efficiently from the pocket, he went a historic 26-for-26 when kept clean from pressure to guide Chicago to a commanding road victory.

Doubling down in Week 7 against the New England Patriots, Williams laced up the black-and-white Caddix cleats once more and put on an explosive aerial display. He went 22-of-33 for 308 yards and two touchdowns, connecting on eight explosive completions of 20 or more yards to lead the Bears to a 30–24 triumph. Across both fined outings, Williams combined for over 600 passing yards and zero interceptions, proving that the footwear scrutiny was far from a distraction as he powered Chicago to consecutive victories.

Key takeaways

• The NFL reportedly doubled Caleb Williams’ fine to $23,800 for wearing unapproved cleats.
• Caleb Williams completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards against Atlanta.
• Caleb Williams threw two touchdowns while leading the Chicago Bears past New England.

“They are a science-type of cleat. It’s something that focuses on when you plant on the hard plants on turf or grass, they call them SmartStuds, and they move when you move. They take tension off of your tendons, your joints and all of that,“ Williams said to reporters ahead of Chicago’s Monday night matchup against the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks.

Williams emphasized that his footwear choice is all about durability and availability as the Bears chase their postseason goals. “I’m focused on being able to be out here for the guys. And if that can give me a small percentage up and it works, then that’s what I’m gonna do,” Williams explained.

While contenders across the league scramble to stabilize ahead of the NFL trade deadline—such as the Kansas City Chiefs reportedly standing pat on wideout Tyreek Hill—the Bears are banking on Williams’ continued ascension to carry them back to January football.

Why the NFL penalized Williams’ Caddix cleats

The NFL hit Williams with an $11,941 fine following Chicago’s Week 6 win over the Atlanta Falcons for violating league Uniform and Equipment Rules. The penalty was not levied against the cleat’s physical design or mechanics, but rather the unapproved branding displayed on the footwear.

Because Caddix is not an officially licensed NFL partner, displaying its visible logo during a regular-season game violated strict commercial branding guidelines. The episode immediately evoked memories of classic sports-marketing showdowns, most famously Nike footing the bill for Michael Jordan’s banned shoes in the NBA.

On-field leap: Williams’ year 3 surge

On the field, Williams’ physical comfort has coincided with a noticeable jump in poise and efficiency during his third year in Chicago. Having weathered the inevitable growing pains of his first two seasons, the former No. 1 overall pick has shown refined footwork, a sturdier pocket base, and sharp off-schedule playmaking.

Through four games in 2026, Williams has completed 71.0% of his passes for 1,020 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception, good for a career-best 105.6 passer rating and a 3–1 start. That elevated play has kept the spotlight firmly where it belongs: on Williams’ arm, not his feet.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams addressed his fine for wearing Caddix cleats ahead of facing Seattle.
• The NFL issued Caleb Williams an $11,941 fine for violating uniform and equipment rules.
• Caleb Williams has completed 71.0% of his passes through four games in 2026.

After sitting out three games to rehabilitate the tweak, the former No. 1 overall pick removed all doubt about his health with a dominant performance last week, and he enters today’s matchup completely off Chicago’s final injury report.

Williams proved he was back to 100% in Week 6, leading the Bears to a thrilling 31-23 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons. In one of the most efficient outings of his young NFL career, Williams carved up Atlanta’s defense, completing 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown, and a sparkling 111.2 passer rating. His stellar play earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season, confirming that his hamstring is fully healed and his arm talent remains elite.

Chicago Bears QB depth chart vs Patriots

With Caleb Williams returning to his unquestioned spot as QB1, Chicago’s quarterback room provides a stable blend of talented youth and seasoned backup depth.

• QB1: Caleb Williams: Fully healthy and no longer listed on the injury report, Williams takes the reins as the focal point of the Bears’ aggressive passing attack.
• QB2: Tyson Bagent: The third-year signal-caller filled in admirably during Williams’ three-game absence, keeping the Bears afloat with smart decision-making and efficient game management.
• QB3: Case Keenum: The veteran journeyman provides invaluable leadership and preparation support in the film room for both Williams and Bagent.

Why Caleb Williams’ health changes the dynamic against New England

Having Caleb Williams under center completely changes how opposing defensive coordinators must game-plan against Chicago. Unlike his injury-restricted weeks, Williams showed no hesitation stepping up in the pocket or extending plays outside the tackle box against Atlanta.

• Complete Playbook Availability: Coach Johnson can utilize full play-action, bootlegs, and QB-designed movement concepts without worrying about Williams protecting his leg.
• Weapons Unlocked: Williams’ pinpoint accuracy elevates top receiving targets Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, creating mismatches across all three levels of the field.
• Playoff Trajectory: At 4-2, securing a victory against New England keeps Chicago firmly entrenched in the wild-card and division hunt as the season approaches its midpoint.

Facing a banged-up Patriots defense missing key pieces in the secondary and interior offensive line, Williams is poised to keep Chicago’s momentum rolling. Head Coach Ben Johnson’s offense relies heavily on Caleb’s off-platform playmaking and deep-ball accuracy, and having him operating at full speed makes the 4-2 Bears a formidable threat in a competitive NFC North race.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams is playing today against the New England Patriots after being completely removed from the Chicago Bears’ injury report.
• Williams proved he is fully recovered from his hamstring injury by throwing for 305 yards and a TD on 30-of-36 passing against the Falcons, earning NFC Player of the Week honors.
• Caleb leads the Bears’ depth chart as QB1, backed up by Tyson Bagent and veteran Case Keenum.

Williams completed a full week of practice without setbacks, and reports indicate that the Bears plan to start him in Atlanta. Although he was officially listed as questionable, his progress throughout the week has put him in position to make his return. Chicago will need its starting quarterback back as the team attempts to regain momentum in a competitive NFC North race.

Caleb has also acknowledged that he suffered a hamstring tear, but he has been frustrated by reports and speculation surrounding the severity of the injury. Rather than publicly confirming the grade of the tear, the quarterback pushed back against the rumors that circulated while he was sidelined. His return now gives him an opportunity to put the attention back on the field.

Is Caleb Williams playing today for Bears against Falcons?

Yes. Caleb Williams is playing for the Bears against the Falcons. His injury occurred during Chicago’s Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings, forcing him to miss three consecutive matchups. Now, he’s back.

During that stretch, the Bears used Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent at quarterback, managing two wins before suffering a heavy defeat against Green Bay. The loss exposed the team’s offensive struggles and increased the importance of getting Williams back under center.

The quarterback has made it clear that he was unhappy with the speculation surrounding his injury, particularly reports discussing its severity. While Williams confirmed that he suffered a tear, he did not reveal the grade of the injury. The Bears have instead focused on his ability to progress through practice and complete the physical tests required before returning to game action.

Chicago enters Week 6 with a 3-2 record after the painful loss to the Packers, leaving the team looking to respond against Atlanta. Williams’ return could provide stability at quarterback and help the offense rediscover its rhythm, but the Bears will also need to protect him as he resumes playing after several weeks away. Sunday’s game represents an important opportunity for Chicago to get back on track and strengthen its position in the NFC North.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams is expected to start against the Falcons after missing three games with a torn hamstring.
• Williams completed a full week of practice without setbacks.
• The Bears enter Week 6 at 3-2 after a painful loss to the Packers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Caleb Williams is expected to play after completing a full week of practice without experiencing any setbacks.

“He’s back: The Bears are planning to start Caleb Williams after he missed the past three games due to a torn hamstring but went through a full week of practice this week without any setbacks, per NFLN and ESPN,” Schefter wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

How Williams suffered the injury

Williams suffered a torn right hamstring during a red-zone scramble in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 Week 2 loss against the Minnesota Vikings on September 20, 2026.

He felt a pop and initially thought someone had grabbed him from behind. He later clarified that the issue was a serious hamstring tear rather than a minor strain, which kept him sidelined and left the Bears in a difficult position in the NFL season.

To put the absence of Williams into context, Chicago’s offense struggled significantly against Green Bay, generating just 246 total yards, including 165 passing yards and 81 rushing yards.

The Bears also committed five turnovers, throwing three interceptions and fumbling twice in a performance that highlighted their offensive struggles without Williams. The defeat dropped Chicago to 3-2 and put pressure on head coach Ben Johnson and his offense to regain consistency as the team approaches the middle of its schedule.

Key takeaways

• The Chicago Bears plan to start Caleb Williams in Week 6 against Atlanta.
• A torn right hamstring was suffered by Caleb Williams against Minnesota on September 20.
• Five turnovers were committed by the Chicago Bears without Caleb Williams against Green Bay.

Williams has been a full participant in practice this week and appears to have done everything to prove he is ready to go. However, he is still listed as questionable for the game, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

“Bears list QB Caleb Williams as questionable after another full practice,” Garafolo wrote on X, formerly Twitter. It stands as an encouraging sign after Williams completed another workout, apparently without issue.

The Bears’ current situation

While it is positive news that Williams was a full participant in practice, he may still need to clear a few final hurdles before confirming he is fully ready to take the field.

The Bears would love to have him back as soon as possible, but his long-term health remains a priority. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, as players often believe they have recovered only to re-aggravate the issue.

The Bears appear to be taking the proper precautions, so Williams will be in good shape when he makes his return. The team has posted a 2-1 record in games he has played this NFL season, with its lone loss coming last week against the Green Bay Packers. That defeat was especially difficult, which explains why many are eager to see him play this week.

Williams declines to address injury details

Despite reports indicating an improved physical condition, Williams preferred not to get into specifics and avoided answering questions on the matter. It remains a cautious move that keeps fans from setting unrealistic expectations ahead of his return.

“The Bears’ QB was asked about the grade of his hamstring tear. Says that information doesn’t deserve to be put out publicly after all of the false reporting about his injury,” Garafolo wrote on X.

Reports originally indicated that Williams was dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, but based on his comments, there is no telling how severe the injury actually was.

Key takeaways

• Listed as questionable for Week 6 is Caleb Williams despite full practice participation.
• A 2-1 record was posted by the Chicago Bears in games Caleb Williams played.
• Caleb Williams declined to publicly disclose the grade of his hamstring tear.

On Wednesday, the team received a positive update on Williams’ status heading into the matchup against Atlanta. “#Bears QB Caleb Williams will be a full participant on today’s estimated injury report, coach Ben Johnson tells reporters. A sign his return is coming,” reported Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on X, formerly Twitter.

It is undoubtedly a positive development regarding Williams’ potential availability for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. The Bears got off to a solid start during the stretch of games played without Williams, securing comfortable victories over the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets. However, Sunday’s difficult outing against the Packers—where Tyson Bagent was ultimately benched—made it clear that the team needs Williams back as soon as possible.

Johnson awaiting Williams’ return

If Caleb Williams is healthy, he is going to be the Bears’ starter. However, Johnson made it clear that right now he is still awaiting the green light to ramp things up in practice.

“He’s doing a great job progressing, and we’ll see when we can make him available to help us win ball games,” Johnson added during his press conference. “But he’s itching to get back as soon as he can, which is a good thing. And when we get the green light, we’ll move forward from there.”

His initial timeline was always three to four weeks, so his return could come this week. However, without Johnson confirming that he will even return to practice, it remains difficult to pencil him in as a potential starter.

Tyson Bagent would be the most likely option if the team decides not to start Williams. However, he missed Week 3 due to a concussion, and although he helped the Bears win in Week 4, his performance was not as strong as that of Case Keenum—the third option at the position—the previous week.

Key takeaways

• A hamstring injury sidelined Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams for three straight games.
• A full participant designation on Wednesday’s estimated injury report was given to Caleb Williams.
• Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum serve as Chicago’s backup quarterbacks behind Caleb Williams.

Williams suffered the injury during Chicago’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has been working his way back ever since. The quarterback has missed multiple games while recovering, leaving the Bears to adjust their offensive plans without their franchise signal-caller. Although his rehabilitation has shown signs of progress, he has not yet reached the point where he can return to game action.

The latest update offers some encouragement for Chicago, as Williams has resumed throwing while continuing to work toward running at full speed. However, the Bears are not ready to put him back on the field against Green Bay. With Bagent preparing to make another start, Chicago will look to remain competitive in a difficult road matchup while its starting quarterback continues his recovery.

When is Caleb Williams coming back?

NFL insider Tom Pelissero provided an encouraging update on Caleb Williams’ recovery, reporting that the quarterback has resumed throwing but is still working toward regaining his full running ability.

“Bears QB Caleb Williams has resumed throwing, but he’s still working his way back to running full speed as he inches closer to returning from his hamstring injury. Tyson Bagent starts Sunday at Green Bay.”

The update suggests Williams is making progress and could be nearing a return in the coming weeks. However, being able to throw does not necessarily mean he is ready to handle the demands of a full NFL game, particularly when his mobility remains an important part of his playing style. The Bears will need to see further improvement before determining when he can safely return to the lineup.

For now, Bagent will remain under center against Green Bay as Chicago waits for its starting quarterback to recover. Williams’ progress will be worth monitoring in the days ahead, but no definitive return date has been announced. His availability for the Bears’ next games will depend on how quickly he regains full speed and whether he can resume football activities without setbacks.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams will miss the Bears’ Week 5 game due to a hamstring injury.
• Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start for Chicago against the Green Bay Packers.
• Tom Pelissero reported Williams resumed throwing but has not regained full running speed.

Keenum delivered a surprising performance when called upon on the gridiron. However, Ben Johnson opted to go with Bagent in Week 4, and that same scenario will unfold again against the Packers, due to tactical decisions.

Recent reports from insider Mike Garafolo indicated that Williams “is pushing strong” to return to full strength next week, suggesting that the quarterback battle in the Windy City could soon come to an end. The good news for the coaching staff is that they have plenty of quality options available to fill the position.

Keenum and Bagent’s stats this season

With Caleb Williams missing time, both backups have had to step under center for Chicago, offering two very different takes on the spot-starter role. Veteran Case Keenum made the absolute most of his starting opportunity in Week 3, delivering a hyper-efficient, mistake-free performance where he completed 24 of 34 passes (70.6%) for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions in a 27–7 win over Philadelphia.

On the other hand, Tyson Bagent has seen slightly more action overall across two games, racking up 322 passing yards on 30-of-43 passing (69.8% completion rate). While Bagent showed solid rhythm by throwing for 268 yards in a Week 4 victory against the Jets, he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass yet and has 0 TDs to 1 interception.

Keenum brought that classic veteran poise and touchdown production in his single nod, while Bagent provided a reliable, high-completion safety valve when called upon—giving Chicago two solid options to keep the ship steady.

Key takeaways

• Chicago will start Tyler Bagent against Green Bay at Lambeau Field.
• Veteran Case Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards in Week 3.
• Tyson Bagent threw for 268 yards in a Week 4 victory against the Jets.

Although Johnson praised the work done by Case Keenum in Week 3, the coach appears to have taken a different approach ahead of the Jets’ visit. The veteran’s numbers against the Philadelphia Eagles last week were apparently not enough to earn him the starting job.

That being said, all signs point to Tyson Bagent being the Bears’ starting QB in Week 4. The former Shepherd Rams player has a unique opportunity to take the reins of this historic franchise.

When could Williams return to the field?

Williams’ initial 3-to-4-week recovery timeline puts his most realistic return around Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons on October 18. There is a slight outside chance he could try to return early for the massive Week 5 NFC North rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 11, but the Bears’ medical staff will likely play it safe and keep him sidelined until the Atlanta matchup to avoid any long-term setbacks for their franchise quarterback.

Injuries hit Chicago hard

On top of missing Caleb Williams, Chicago’s roster is severely depleted in the trenches and throughout its defensive core. The offensive line takes a massive hit with left tackle Braxton Jones (knee) heading to injured reserve, leaving Bagent without his primary blindside protector.

Meanwhile, the defense is missing impact players at every tier: Kyler Gordon with a calf injury, leaves a major void in slot coverage, while the front seven loses critical rotational depth with defensive lineman Shemar Turner and Noah Sewell both sidelined.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams will miss the Bears’ Week 4 game due to a hamstring injury.
• Tyson Bagent is expected to step in as Chicago’s starting quarterback against New York.
• Braxton Jones is heading to injured reserve with a knee injury.

The decision comes just days after Case Keenum delivered one of the best performances of his recent NFL career. Keenum started Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles and helped Chicago secure a convincing 27-7 victory, throwing for 247 yards and accounting for three touchdowns.

Keenum got the opportunity because Bagent was still working his way back from concussion protocol. Now that Bagent is fully available and has taken the majority of first-team repetitions during the week, the Bears appear ready to restore him to the starting role despite Keenum’s impressive performance.

Who will be starting QB for Bears vs Jets?

Ian Rapoport reported that Tyson Bagent is expected to start against the Jets after receiving most of Chicago’s first-team reps during practice. The Bears had not publicly announced the decision, but all indications pointed toward the former undrafted quarterback returning to the lineup.

The move is surprising because Keenum gave the Bears exactly what they needed against Philadelphia. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two passing touchdowns while adding a rushing score, leading Chicago to a dominant win in prime time. However, the Bears’ original depth-chart hierarchy appears to remain intact.

Bagent was Chicago’s No. 2 quarterback behind Williams entering the season, and Ben Johnson has continued to show confidence in him. His concussion opened the door for Keenum against the Eagles, but Bagent’s return to full availability has now allowed the Bears to go back to their original plan.

The timing is particularly important because Williams remains sidelined. The Bears officially ruled out their starting quarterback for a second consecutive game as he continues recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him out against the Minnesota Vikings. That leaves Bagent with an opportunity to build on his previous experience as an NFL starter.

Keenum will now move back into the backup role despite his performance against Philadelphia. For Chicago, the decision reflects the coaching staff’s continued belief in Bagent and gives the 26-year-old another chance to prove he can keep the offense moving while Williams works his way back.

Key takeaways

• Tyson Bagent will start at quarterback against the New York Jets in Week 4.
• Case Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards against the Eagles, but won’t start vs Jets.
• Caleb Williams was ruled out for a second straight game with a hamstring injury.