Bears rule Caleb Williams OUT for Week 3

The Chicago Bears have officially ruled quarterback Caleb Williams out of their Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, confirming that the star quarterback won’t be available for Monday night’s game at Soldier Field.

Williams suffered a hamstring injury during Chicago’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The injury occurred after he scrambled during the Bears’ home opener, and he was unable to continue playing. After the game, Chicago indicated that Williams ’ injury would be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

The Bears listed Williams as a non-participant in practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With the quarterback unable to return to the field before the team submitted its final injury report, Chicago officially ruled him out Saturday.

The absence is significant for the Bears, who’ll now have to turn to their backup options against an Eagles team that enters Week 3 with a perfect 2-0 record. Williams had started every game of his NFL career before the hamstring issue forced him out of the Minnesota contest.

Williams ’ injury also creates an important fantasy football situation. Because he’s considered week-to-week, fantasy managers will need to monitor his practice participation next week for signs that he could return against the Eagles.

Bears face uncertainty at quarterback

While Williams ’ status is settled, Chicago still has a question to answer regarding who’ll replace him under center.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is officially questionable after dealing with a concussion during the week. Bagent didn’t participate in practice Thursday or Friday, raising concerns about his availability for Monday night.

However, he returned Saturday and was listed as a full participant, giving the Bears some reason for optimism.

If Bagent clears the remaining requirements of the NFL’s concussion protocol, he’s expected to be in line for the starting job. His availability would give Chicago a quarterback who already has regular-season experience, having made several starts for the Bears during the 2023 season.

If Bagent isn’t cleared, veteran Case Keenum is another option for Chicago. Keenum has extensive NFL experience and could be asked to make his 67th career start if the Bears need him against Philadelphia.

Chicago also ruled out linebacker Noah Sewell because of an Achilles injury and defensive lineman Shemar Turner because of a knee injury. Both players were limited during the week but won’t be available Monday.

The Bears enter Week 3 at 1-1 after opening the season with a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers before falling to Minnesota. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is 2-0, setting up a difficult matchup for Chicago regardless of which quarterback starts.

Monday’s game is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Soldier Field and will air nationally on ESPN and ABC.