According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, Harbaugh took matters into his own hands after general manager Joe Schoen hit a wall. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi had informed Schoen that Tennessee would not trade Simmons. Strunk delivered the same rejection to Harbaugh before Chicago ultimately acquired the star for two first-round picks.

Harbaugh’s direct outreach reportedly ruffled feathers across NFL front offices. Rival executives noted that bypassing general managers violates an unspoken league protocol. Still, the daring approach highlights New York’s urgent desire to reinforce the defensive line for the playoff push.

What getting Jeffery Simmons would’ve meant for the Giants?

Landing Simmons would have completely transformed New York’s leaky interior front. The 29-year-old game-wrecker commands double teams and obliterates running lanes. Placing him inside would instantly upgrade New York’s 25th-ranked run defense into a formidable force.

Simmons also provides elite pass-rushing push from the defensive tackle position. His presence would create single-blocking matchups for edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Adding a premier disruptor would solidify New York as a legitimate NFC powerhouse.

Is going for a DT means they miss Dexter Lawrence?

Harbaugh’s aggressive pursuit confirms the franchise deeply misses Dexter Lawrence. The front office dealt the three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle to the Cincinnati Bengals back in April. That trade opened a massive physical void in the heart of their defense.

Without Lawrence anchoring the trenches, opposing rushing attacks consistently harm New York for big gains. Harbaugh clearly recognizes that the defensive interior remains their most vulnerable liability. The desperate push for Simmons proved the Giants know they cannot contend without an elite anchor inside.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly regarding Jeffery Simmons.
• The Chicago Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons for two first-round picks.
• The Giants dealt Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals back in April.

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.

Kmet was having a very good game and after a catch, he got tackled by two Patriots defenders and his knee tweaked very bad. He then has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

This is a big blow as Kmet is one of the most well-regarded players on the Bears locker room. He was also having a key role on the Bears leading this game at the point of his exit.

Cole Kmet stats before the injury

Kmet had three catches for 28 yards. Since last year, he stopped being the best receiver at the tight end position for the Bears. However, he is still used but he’s also heavily featured as a run-blocker, where he excels.

Usually, knee injuries are ones that sideline the players for months, many times there are season-ending injuries. Given the fact that Kmet had to be stretchered out, the optics aren’t good, though there’s no official diagnostic yet.

Bears updated TE depth chart without Kmet

Kmet was the second tight end on the depth chart behind Colston Loveland. Now, the Bears will have to use another tight ends. Hence, it’s time for them to go deep into the depth chart:

• Colston Loveland
• Sam Roush
• Stephen Carlson (practice squad)

Key takeaways

• Cole Kmet was stretchered off with a knee injury against the New England Patriots.
• Cole Kmet recorded three catches for 28 yards prior to exiting the game.
• Colston Loveland leads the Chicago Bears tight end depth chart following Kmet’s departure.

Henderson’s full availability provides a key boost to a New England backfield that has relied heavily on a committee approach. While his volume has fluctuated over the last month—rushing seven times for 31 yards in Week 6 against the New York Jets and four times for 22 yards against the Raiders—Henderson’s ankle looks significantly healthier heading into this matchup. Having his home-run speed and pass-catching versatility at 100% capacity gives quarterback Drake Maye another dangerous outlet to stretch the defense.

Facing a stingy Chicago Bears defense that allows just 90.5 rushing yards per game, New England will need a physical and disciplined ground effort to keep the sticks moving. Henderson’s presence alongside Rhamondre Stevenson gives the Patriots a dynamic one-two punch capable of controlling tempo and keeping Chicago’s high-powered offense off the field.

TreVeyon Henderson’s will play for Patriots vs Bears

Despite battling through an ankle ailment in recent weeks, TreVeyon Henderson has maintained a consistent presence in New England’s weekly offensive game plan:

• Health Upgrade: Logged full practice sessions throughout the short week, officially clearing his game status.
• Season Production: On 49 rushing carries this season, Henderson has collected 194 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
• Matchup Challenge: Chicago’s front seven has surrendered 100 or more rushing yards to only one individual back all season, making efficiency crucial on early downs.

Why Henderson’s speed is vital for the Patriots against Chicago

Controlling the clock and sustaining long drives will be paramount for New England against a Bears squad averaging over 30 points in recent outings. Henderson’s ability to bounce runs outside and burst through interior gaps creates big-play threat potential on any given snap.

If Maye and the Patriots can establish the run early, Henderson’s open-field agility could turn short check-downs into high-leverage gains, helping New England balance its attack and push for a crucial Week 7 victory.

Key takeaways

• TreVeyon Henderson is fully healthy and playing today against the Chicago Bears after practice participation upgraded to full.
• The running back was removed from the final injury report following three full practice sessions.
• Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson face a Bears defense holding opponents to just 90.5 rushing yards per game.

Caleb Williams recovered from a hamstring strain and came back for the Bears last week. So, Caleb Williams is playing for the Bears vs Patriots. He improves the Bears offense massively. However, the Bears know how to win without him too.

As for the Patriots, Drake Maye is on a recovery streak after a bad start to the season. However, the last few games have seen him go back to being a top-tier signal-caller.

Bears QB depth chart vs Patriots

With Caleb Williams back, he is undoubtedly the starting quarterback of the team. He should go hard on the Patriots. However, if for some reason, he is not able to complete the game, there is a reputable backup. This is the QB depth chart vs Patriots:

• Caleb Williams
• Tyson Bagent
• Case Keenum

Patriots QB depth chart vs Bears

Maye will start under center and the Patriots hope he is able to compete and win the game. Overall, they want him to stay healthy. If by any reason he is not able to complete the game, this is the full depth chart:

• Drake Maye
• Tommy DeVito
• Behren Morton

Key takeaways

• The Patriots face the Bears in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football.
• Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring strain to start at quarterback for the Bears.
• Drake Maye will start under center for the Patriots against the Bears.

The WR made his long-awaited return in Week 6 against the Jets, but his first game back featured significant rust and missed opportunities. Drake Maye peppered his star receiver with 10 targets, but Brown managed just 3 receptions for 27 yards and was charged with three costly drops, along with a late-game fumbled onside kick recovery that New England fortunately recovered. Despite the rocky performance, having Brown back on the field gave Maye a true top option, and another week of full practice reps should have the duo operating on much better timing today.

Today’s matchup against Chicago carries the potential to turn into a fast-paced, high-scoring shootout. With Caleb Williams and the explosive Bears offense fresh off a 305-yard masterclass performance in Week 6, New England cannot afford a sluggish offensive start. Having a fully healthy A.J. Brown gives Maye the premier perimeter playmaker required to match Chicago point-for-point.

Is AJ Brown active today for Patriots vs Bears?

Yes. A.J. Brown is active today for the Patriots against the Bears. Brown’s 2026 campaign hit an immediate speed bump when he sustained a high-ankle sprain during New England’s season opener against Seattle. High-ankle sprains are notoriously difficult for explosive wideouts due to the pressure placed on pushing off and making sharp lateral cuts.

• Week 1 Injury: Sustained a high-ankle sprain against the Seahawks and was placed on IR.
• 4-Game Absence: Missed games against the Raiders, Dolphins, Bills, and Texans while undergoing rehabilitation.
• Week 6 Return: Activated for the Jets game, recording 3 catches on 10 targets for 27 yards.
• Week 7 Status: Practice participation upgraded to full; completely removed from the final injury report.

While Maye and the Patriots offense leaned on tight ends and rotational targets during Brown’s absence, today’s game plan requires a dominant WR1 presence. Chicago’s defense has shown vulnerabilities against physical, boundary receivers, setting up Brown for a major bounce-back performance.

Eliminating the drop issues that plagued him against the Jets will be critical. If Maye and Brown can re-establish their downfield chemistry early, New England will possess the big-play capability needed to keep pace with the Bears’ high-octane passing attack and secure a crucial Week 7 victory.

Key takeaways

• A.J. Brown is fully healthy and playing today against the Chicago Bears after being removed from the Patriots’ injury report.
• Brown missed four games after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
• After struggling with 3 drops on 10 targets in his Week 6 return against the Jets, Brown is primed for a much larger role in a potential shootout against Chicago.

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.

Kendal Daniels tried to make a tackle but ended up making direct contact to the knee of the Bears player, which seemingly forced a compression on his neck. After not being able to recover, he got stretchered out as the whole stadium stood in silence.

Per the Falcons social media, “Daniels is alert and has movement in all his extremities.” This is good news as it’s the first sign that the injury is not as serious as it could be.

Neck injuries are very dangerous

Players running at maximum speed toward one another generate massive force that concentrates heavily on the neck and cervical vertebrae. Hence, a full-force impact straightens the neck, removing its natural shock-absorbing curve and driving the impact straight down the spinal column.

Bruising, compression, or tearing of the spinal cord itself, which can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, loss of motor control, or sensory deficits are taken very seriously. Hence, Daniels will be treated with full priority.

How are neck injuries treated on field?

Medical staffs treat any suspected neck or spinal injury with immediate immobilization, spine-boarding, and fast hospital transport. The immobilization process can take a bit, as doctors need to be very careful with the body of the injured player.

Key takeaways

• Linebacker Kendal Daniels was stretchered off the field against the Chicago Bears.
• Kendal Daniels suffered a neck injury after making direct contact with a Bears player.
• Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

Penix was injured late in the fourth quarter against Baltimore and was unable to take part in the Falcons’ overtime possession. Veteran backup Tua Tagovailoa stepped in, but his appearance ended with an interception that sealed Atlanta’s 30-23 defeat. The loss was a frustrating setback for a team that had won two consecutive games before facing the Ravens.

With Penix back at practice and no longer carrying an injury designation, Atlanta has reason to feel encouraged heading into Sunday’s game. The Falcons will look to get their season back on track against a Chicago team that is also preparing to welcome Caleb Williams back after an injury absence.

What happened to Michael Penix Jr.?

Michael Penix Jr. suffered the rib injury late in the game against Baltimore after taking a hit. He briefly returned for one play but did not come back onto the field for overtime, leaving Tagovailoa to lead the offense. The backup quarterback threw an interception on his second play, ending Atlanta’s possession and giving the Ravens the opportunity to finish the game.

The Falcons monitored Penix throughout the week, and his participation in practice provided a positive sign for his availability. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier in the week that Penix was expected to start as long as his recovery progressed without complications. The quarterback also indicated that he was feeling better, although neither he nor the team publicly disclosed the full extent of the rib injury.

Penix’s return is important for an Atlanta team that enters Week 6 with a 2-3 record and hopes to respond after the loss to Baltimore. Through his first three starts of the season, he has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. With no injury designation and a full week of practice behind him, Penix is expected to lead the Falcons against the Bears on Sunday.

Key takeaways

• Michael Penix Jr. has no injury designation for Sunday’s game vs the Chicago Bears.
• He suffered a rib injury against the Ravens but completed a full week of practice.
• Tua Tagovailoa replaced him in overtime and threw a costly interception.

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.