Everyone in Chicago held their breath as Bears quarterback Caleb Williams needed to be carted off the field in Sunday’s game.
The Bears lost 9-3 against the Minnesota Vikings, but that’s not the main concern in Chicago.
With less than eight minutes remaining in regulation, Williams slid after a scramble and immediately rolled over on the field. The initial injury has been listed as a hamstring injury.
The talented 24-year-old was ready for a big season.
Last year, the Bears were one of the surprise stories in the league, winning 11 games and making it to the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. Year 3 was expected to be that massive leap for Williams, who showed so much promise and potential during last season’s run.
It felt like for the first time in decades that the Bears had the right quarterback and the right coach at the right time. Ben Johnson’s offense had been humming prior to Sunday’s loss against the Vikings. And Williams has really emerged as one of the premier young quarterbacks in the sport.
That’s why it was hard to breathe easy in Chicago this afternoon.
In order for Chicago to reach the heights they were expected to this offseason, the Bears need Williams. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is a tremendously fun underdog to root for, and he has a little bit of talent, too. But Sunday was proof that the NFC North is still legitimate, as the Green Bay Packers and Vikings could threaten Chicago’s division if Williams misses extended time.
Williams was spotted in Chicago’s locker room. No walking boot. No crutches. Maybe a light limp.
That’s encouraging for Bears fans.
If Williams misses a few games, Bagent is a serviceable enough backup to keep the boat afloat. The one thing that can’t be afforded is a long-term injury to the face of the franchise.
Williams was 15-of-26 passing for 138 yards, an interception and three sacks prior to the injury. It was far from his best outing in a Bears uniform. Yet still, it can’t be understated how important he is to the team’s present – and future.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles invested into the offensive line last offseason to protect Williams. It worked. They’ve also loaded up on play makers, trying to go all-in with their young, superstar quarterback.
When you see an athletic quarterback go down with a non-contact injury, it’s easy to fear the worst. But for everyone in Chicago, the Bears and their fans will be hoping Williams can return to action soon and keep their dream season alive.
