Caleb Williams is back on the practice field, and that alone changes the conversation for the Bears heading into Week 5.
Chicago listed Williams as a limited participant on Friday, marking the first time in nearly three weeks that he has done any work in practice. The quarterback is officially questionable for the game against the Green Bay Packers, even though head coach Ben Johnson already named Tyson Bagent as the team’s starter earlier in the week. It sure looks like Johnson is keeping Green Bay guessing.
Here’s how the Bears’ final Week 5 injury report shaped up before the Packers matchup:
- Keyshaun Elliott, LB - quadricep - DNP - Out
- Kyle Monangai, RB - thumb/toe - DNP - Out
- Caleb Williams, QB - hamstring - Limited - Questionable
- Kyler Gordon, CB - calf - Full - Questionable
- Noah Sewell, LB - Achilles - Full - Questionable
- Shemar Turner, DL - knee - Full - Questionable
- Jonah Jackson, OL - ankle - Full - -
- Grady Jarrett, DL - NIR (Rest) - Full - -
- Cam Lewis, DB - hip - Full - -
- D’Andre Swift, RB - hip/knee - Full - -
- Joe Thuney, OL - pectoral - Full - -
- Darnell Wright, OL - ankle - Full - -
Two Bears are already ruled out: Elliott and Monangai. Johnson had already said Friday that Monangai would miss the game, with the toe injury giving him more trouble than the thumb issue. Elliott, meanwhile, could be another week or two from returning.
The idea of Williams actually playing in this one is hard to buy, but the Bears are clearly not making it simple for the Packers. Johnson has already shown a willingness to throw a wrinkle at an opponent - he put Case Keenum in at quarterback on the first play against the New York Jets - so nothing feels completely off the table.
Swift is also set to go despite sitting out the first practice of the week. He should handle the lead-back role and will be looking to clean things up after losing two fumbles over the last three weeks.
Gordon’s status is moving in the right direction after he practiced fully, though the Bears are expected to stay cautious with him. He likely won’t come off injured reserve until the last possible moment.
Johnson also said Friday that there is a chance either Sewell or Turner could be activated and play in Week 5, with the other more likely to join the roster the following week.
Lewis is back after missing Week 4 with the hip injury and should reclaim his spot in the nickel against Green Bay.
Up front, the Bears’ offensive line looks close to full strength. Thuney, Jackson, and Wright all practiced fully after sitting out Wednesday, and all three appear ready to go.
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