Bears rule out QB Caleb Williams vs. Packers, will start backup Tyson Bagent again

Bears coach Ben Johnson won’t play around with his quarterback decision this week. He said on his team-run interview Monday that starter Caleb Williams remains out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and he will start backup Tyson Bagent again Sunday at the Packers.

Williams has been out since getting hurt late in the Sept. 20 game against the Vikings, and that type of injury usually keeps a player out at least a month. After their visit to Lambeau Field, the Bears play at the Falcons on Oct. 18 and host the Patriots on Oct. 22. Even those games could be tough for Williams, who has a better shot at returning Nov. 2 when the team visits the defending champion Seahawks.

Bagent started Sunday for the first time since 2023 and helped the Bears beat the Jets 23-12 to reach 3-1. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards with an interception for an 83.9 passer rating, and the Bears leaned heavily on their ground game. Backup running back Kyle Monangai pounded the Jets for 146 yards an two touchdowns on 30 carries.