Caleb Williams carted off with hamstring injury, to miss two games

Caleb Williams was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings after sustaining a right‑leg hamstring injury. The Bears’ first‑overall pick left the stadium on a stretcher, and officials confirmed he will miss the team’s next two contests while the injury is evaluated.

The loss is a blow to a Chicago franchise that has pinned its hopes on Williams to revive a struggling offense. The rookie quarterback entered the season as the most highly touted prospect in recent memory, expected to bring a dynamic passing attack to a team that finished 2023 with a 3‑14 record. Chicago entered the Vikings matchup at 1‑3, hoping Williams could spark a turnaround.

Williams had thrown for 215 yards, two touchdowns and one interception before the injury, completing 18 of 27 attempts. He appeared to pull up on a scramble late in the third quarter before limping off. Head coach Matt Eberflus said the injury “looks like a grade‑2 hamstring strain” and praised Williams for his poise despite the setback. Veteran backup quarterback Nathan Peterman was summoned from the sideline and finished the game, leading a modest drive that fell short of a comeback.

Medical staff expect Williams to be sidelined for at least two weeks, which means he will miss the upcoming games against the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots. The Bears will need to rely on Peterman’s experience while the coaching staff adjusts the playbook to accommodate a less mobile quarterback. The injury also raises questions about the team’s depth at the position and whether Chicago can stay competitive without its rookie star in the critical early weeks of the season.