Caleb Williams injury overshadows Bears’ brutal loss to Vikings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears‘ first loss of the season immediately became a secondary concern Sunday. Caleb Williams suffered a non-contact right hamstring injury during the fourth quarter of Chicago’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field.
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Williams was attempting to scramble on first-and-goal from the Minnesota 6-yard line when he fell to the wet turf without being contacted. He grabbed the back of his right leg and was eventually taken from the field on a cart.
Bears coach Ben Johnson indicated afterward that the initial concern was Williams’ hamstring rather than his knee, according to the New York Post.
That distinction provides some relief. It does not eliminate the concern surrounding the quarterback who entered Sunday playing some of the best football of his young career.
Williams completed 15 of 28 passes for 138 yards and one interception before leaving the game. He also rushed for 42 yards and gave Chicago a chance to take the lead despite an afternoon filled with missed opportunities.
The Bears outgained Minnesota 297-246 but failed to score a touchdown. Backup Tyson Bagent replaced Williams and could not complete the comeback. Minnesota blocked a potential game-tying field goal before adding a late Will Reichard kick to secure the victory.
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Reichard accounted for every Minnesota point with three field goals. The Vikings survived without scoring a touchdown because their defense repeatedly forced Chicago to settle for difficult kicks or empty possessions.
Williams’ injury made the final result feel considerably worse. The former No. 1 overall pick led Chicago to a 59-37 victory over Carolina in Week 1. He entered the Minnesota game with momentum and growing confidence in Johnson’s offense.
Chicago now must wait for testing to determine how much time Williams could miss. Hamstring injuries can be especially difficult for a quarterback whose mobility is central to his game. Even a relatively encouraging diagnosis could affect Williams’ ability to escape pressure and create outside the pocket.
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Minnesota improved to 2-0 behind defense, special teams and Aaron Jones. Jones rushed for 105 yards and helped the Vikings control possession on a day when passing conditions were difficult. Carson Wentz threw for 143 yards in the 100th start of his NFL career.
Justin Jefferson was limited to 55 receiving yards. None of those numbers were spectacular. Minnesota did not need them to be.
The Vikings extended their winning streak at Soldier Field to seven games and escaped with a divisional road victory despite failing to reach the end zone.
Chicago left with much larger questions.
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The Bears have enough offensive talent to survive a short absence from Williams, but their ceiling changes dramatically if the quarterback is unavailable for an extended stretch.
Sunday’s six-point loss will eventually become one result in a long season. The image of Williams leaving the field on a cart could define far more.
