Caleb Williams throws 123 yards, one touchdown in Bears training camp

The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall on Wednesday for the seventh day of training camp, where rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made his first full workout in a Bears uniform. Williams completed 9 of 14 passes for 123 yards, threw one touchdown and one interception, and ran for 12 yards. His performance drew mixed reactions from coaches and fans alike.

Williams is the Bears’ first‑overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selected after a standout career at USC. The team’s 2023 season ended with a 4‑13 record, and the front office has been clear that a new franchise quarterback is needed. Williams’ contract, a four‑year deal worth $47.5 million, was signed in June, and the coaching staff has been monitoring him closely to decide whether he can become the team’s long‑term signal‑caller. Day 7 is early in camp, but it is a critical benchmark for evaluating a rookie’s readiness against the rest of the squad.

During the workout, Williams showed flashes of the poise that made him a top draft pick, but he also struggled with a couple of drops and a misread defensive alignment that led to the interception. His completion rate was 64%, a slight dip from the 70% he posted in his senior year at USC. Head coach Matt Eberflus praised Williams for his work ethic, saying the player “shows the right attitude” and “is learning the playbook.” However, the Bears’ offensive coordinator noted that Williams still needs to improve his decision‑making under pressure.

Looking ahead, the Bears will run a series of more demanding drills over the next week, including simulated game‑speed practices and defensive play‑action runs. The coaching staff will also compare Williams’ performance to other quarterbacks on the roster, such as veteran starter Mitchell Trubisky and backup J. J. McCarthy. The outcome of these workouts will influence the Bears’ offseason plans, including whether they pursue a trade for an established quarterback or continue to develop Williams as their long‑term starter. The next few days of camp will therefore be pivotal for the franchise’s future at the quarterback position.