Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' top draft pick, was sidelined for Thursday’s 2024 preseason opener against the Houston Texans. According to Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, Williams and the other starters were not expected to play in the game.
However, the new Chicago Bears quarterback hinted at his upcoming NFL debut in a conversation with ESPN during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, assuring fans that “that time is coming soon.”
Caleb Williams' excitement to hit the field for the Chicago Bears
“I told coach how exciting it feels to be back on the field. And that was just for warmups,” said Williams.
Williams did show up in Canton, Ohio, wearing his Bears uniform for pre-game stretches. Nevertheless, he swapped out of his gear before the game and observed from the sidelines with other starters who were resting, including new additions like D'Andre Swift and Keenan Allen.
While this decision isn’t surprising — coaches typically avoid risking their star players in early preseason games, especially when there’s an extra game on the schedule — fans are eager to see Williams take his first NFL snaps.
Although Williams appreciates and respects the coach's decision to keep him out of the Hall of Fame Game, he is clearly eager to hit the field. As a young quarterback, he recognizes that every chance to gain experience is crucial, and he understands that live reps are essential for his development.
Williams' comments are expected to hold true as the preseason advances. According to ESPN, the USC alum is set to see some action in exhibition games despite sitting out the opener.
Williams throwing 45-55 snaps
Eberflus earlier revealed that the goal is for Williams to get 45-55 snaps during the preseason.
“That’s always a number that you’re searching for, what we had looked at this year, and it’s week to week. You’ve always got to look at the health of your team, as I stated before. That can change. That can adjust,” said the Bears coach.
Although many starters either skip preseason games or play only limited snaps, the decision for Williams to participate will provide him with an opportunity to refine his skills before the season begins.
The No. 1 overall pick aims to make an immediate impact in the league, and gaining some preseason reps should greatly benefit him.
Caleb Williams begins his rookie season with high expectations, stemming from a stellar college career. The Heisman Trophy winner now seeks to fulfill that promise on a team that has struggled in recent years.
Williams' stellar college career
Fans have high hopes for Caleb Williams. In the 2022 season at USC, he threw for 4,537 yards, added 382 rushing yards, and scored 50 total touchdowns—40 passing and 10 rushing.
In 2023, Williams couldn't quite match his previous extraordinary success but remained a standout player. He accumulated 3,633 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, along with 11 rushing touchdowns.
Chicago will rely on Williams' talents, the Bears haven't had a winning season since 2018, when they finished 12-4 in the regular season but were eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs.
Last season, the Bears showed improvement with a 7-10 record, up from their 3-14 finish in head coach Matt Eberflus' first year in 2022. Chicago missed the playoffs for the third straight year, but with Williams now leading at quarterback and a solid supporting cast, the team might be poised for a turnaround.
Follow Us
Subscribe