(670 The Score) When the Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, general manager Ryan Poles did so with a vow.
Poles told Williams that the Bears would build a proper nest for his rookie season, one in which he could grow with structure around him. That nest has seemed to collapse around Williams in a season of struggles and dysfunction at Halas Hall.
Despite that, Williams still believes in Poles’ vision for this team and the Bears' future.
“There’s belief — belief, hope and faith — that we’re going to get this right,” Williams told reporters Thursday at Halas Hall. “And however it may happen, that’s how it’s going to happen. That’s kind of where I’m at with it. They drafted me here to go win games. If we’re down, find a way to come back. If we’re up, find a way to stay up and win games. Haven’t been able to do that so far. The guys are frustrated about it, as am I.
“The amount that (Poles) cares about us, the Chicago Bears and wanting to win is why my faith is in him and believing in him and making sure that we get it right.”’
Despite the Bears sitting at 4-9 and in last place in the NFC North, Williams has played admirably this season. He has completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,746 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 13 games.
The Bears started 4-2 but have since lost seven straight games. The team fired head coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29, one day after a heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Lions at Ford Field.
Poles is 14-33 in leading the Bears' football operation across three seasons. Williams and the Bears hoped to push for the playoffs this season, but they've instead encountered adversity.
“It’s tough,” Williams said. “It’s interesting, is the way I put it. I’ve never had a streak like this of losing in my playing (career).
“Seasons like this happen every once in a while, and being able to learn from it, being able to address it.”
Injury report
The Bears held a walkthrough Thursday, meaning their injury report was estimated for a full practice. Swift (groin), guard Ryan Bates (concussion), running back Roschon Johnson (concussion), defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (knee) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (shoulder) were listed as not practicing. Safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) was listed as a limited participant.
Under interim head coach Thomas Brown's watch, the Bears will hold walk-throughs on Wednesdays instead of regular practices in an effort to keep the team fresh. Because the Bears are playing the Vikings on Monday Night Football, Thursday represented their usual Wednesday.
670 The Score reporter Mark Grote contributed to this report.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.