After two weeks of mystery and musical chairs at the quarterback position, the Chicago Bears are expected to have their franchise QB back on the field.
Chicago is planning to start Caleb Williams against the host Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday.
Williams, a full practice participant through the week, was designated as questionable on Friday. He's missed the prior three weeks with a hamstring injury.
During his absence, the Bears won in Week 3 with Case Keenum under center versus the Philadelphia Eagles, won again the following week with Tyson Bagent starting against the New York Jets, and faltered in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers with Bagent starting, struggling and getting benched late for Keenum.
Unsurprisingly, head coach Ben Johnson has been rather coy with his Sunday plans, but Williams reportedly looked impressive in warmups before the Packers loss and now is in line to hit the field versus the Falcons.
For the first time as a pro, Williams, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, will match up with fellow '24 first-round QB Michael Penix Jr., who is coming off a ribs injury sustained in Week 5. Penix was the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, with Atlanta trading up to procure his services.
The star-studded '24 draft class also included Jayden Daniels (No. 2 overall; Washington Commanders), Drake Maye (No. 3; New England Patriots), J.J. McCarthy (No. 10; Minnesota Vikings -- now with New York Giants) and Bo Nix (No. 12; Denver Broncos). Penix and Nix are the only fellow first-rounders Williams has not faced.
In two games this year -- including the Week 2 loss to the Vikings in which he was injured -- Williams has completed 65.5% of his passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The Madden 27 coverboy who is looking to lead the Bears to repeat as NFC North champions, Williams was dealt his first significant NFL injury, snapping a string of 36 straight starts to begin his career.
Now he's back, aiming to keep the Bears within shouting distance of an undefeated Vikings squad (5-0) that's quickly running away with the division.
Williams' return commences when the Bears (3-2) face the Falcons (2-3) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
