Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was forced to leave Sunday’s season opener against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter.
The injury occurred with around eight minutes remaining as the Bears were threatening to score. One play after running back Kyle Monangai converted a fourth down with 8:30 left, Williams rolled to his left on a bootleg on first-and-goal and appeared to have a clear path toward the end zone.
Williams went down awkwardly as Minnesota defender Andrew Van appeared to make contact with his heel while attempting to tackle him.
The quarterback immediately appeared to be in pain and reached for his hamstring. He attempted to get back to his feet twice but was unable to continue before trainers helped him onto a cart and took him off the field.
Bears unable to score after Williams exits
Williams was replaced by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, but Chicago could not capitalize on its position near the Minnesota goal line.
The Bears ran two plays from inside the Vikings’ 6-yard line but failed to find the end zone, as Minnesota held on for a 9-3 victory at Soldier Field.
Williams finished the game with 15 completions on 26 attempts for 138 yards and one interception. He also carried the ball five times for 42 yards.
The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft was making his latest start for Chicago as the team opened its campaign against Minnesota.
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Tests scheduled to determine severity
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said after the game that the team would have more information about Williams’ condition after further testing.
“We’ll know tomorrow,” Johnson said, adding that he had spoken with Williams after the game and that the quarterback was in “good spirits.”
Williams is scheduled to undergo tests on Monday to determine the severity and exact nature of the right hamstring injury.
The results will help determine whether Williams will be available for Chicago’s next game and how the Bears will manage his recovery following a difficult start to their season.
