Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Injury Update vs. New England Patriots: Preview

After sustaining a fourth-quarter ankle injury against the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback Caleb Williams did not appear on the Chicago Bears' injury updates, indicating he's good to go. Williams and coach Matt Eberflus addressed the media ahead of the New England Patriots showdown.

Kyron Samuels | Nov 8, 2024

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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For the third day in a row, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was not listed on the team's injury report on Friday ahead of the matchup with the New England Patriots.

The former USC Trojan was not listed on the Bears’ injury report on Wednesday or Thursday after suffering a minor ankle injury in the closing moments of the Arizona Cardinals game. The decision to leave Williams in an unwinnable game while taking a beating has coach Matt Eberflus under scrutiny from media and fans alike. While the decision is still extremely questionable, Williams appears to be in good health and fully ready for Sunday’s showdown against New England.

On Wednesday, Williams was asked if his recent play, the physicality, and continual hits have affected his confidence. Williams' response was intriguing.

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts with head coach Matt Eberflus following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“Breaking my confidence?… um, I think one, I understand it’s part of the game. That’s the defense job to get me down. I do understand also that I have to do better at certain times getting the ball out. Understanding the situation. It may be a third down, and those are times where you may hold the ball longer, but if there’s something underneath that could get us a first down….take the check down,” said Williams.

In the Cardinals game, Williams was spotted showing visible frustration for the first time in his young career. While it hasn’t trickled into becoming a full-on label, discussions of Williams’ body language and leadership ability have begun. Immediately coming out to dispel some of those concerns is encouraging. At the least, it indicates that he understands the media. In the best-case scenario, it’s sincere, and the toughness is in his DNA.

Another subject discussed was Williams’ accuracy. Particularly on deep passes, the accuracy just hasn’t been there for Williams. On throws or 15 or more air yards, Williams is only completing 28 percent of those passes. The off-target rate is 55 percent, and the yards per game on those attempts are 52.5. Those statistics aren’t all on Williams, as these are low-percentage throws regardless. Schematically, there haven’t been a lot of open receivers for Williams, but keeping the ball in play is important.

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“I would say nothing mechanically. I think I would just talk to him about the rhythm. The rhythm and the timing of it. As he scans across, you know, the first guy working all the way through the fourth or fifth guy. That’s just normal quarterbacking and progressions. And just being cleaner with that, being more consistent with that. And when he does that, it’s a good operation.” said coach Matt Eberflus about Williams's accuracy and processing.

The good, bad, and ugly have been put on tape for both Williams and the Chicago Bears offense, but the great news is that they’re still a 4-4 team right now. A win over the Patriots on Sunday, and the news cycle flips once again. The important thing is to stay the course, stay healthy, and keep chopping away.

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Published Nov 6, 2024|Modified Nov 8, 2024

KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.