LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) — In the aftermath of suffering a hamstring injury on Sept. 20, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams took exception to how it was viewed publicly.
Williams spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since the injury, explaining that he suffered a “hamstring tear and a pretty serious one" while declining to reveal what grade of tear is was. Williams also pointed to apparent media speculation at the national and local levels regarding the severity of the injury.
For his part, Williams took it personally.
"My character has been attacked for a while,” Williams said. “So, it's just another motivating factor when I get out there and get going again."
Williams has missed the last three games with the injury. He has worked in full this week, including logging a full practice Thursday, and is trending toward playing against the Falcons on Sunday if all continues to go well. Williams still needs to undergo a "stress test" of his hamstring later in the week, after which the Bears will make a decision on his status.
When Williams suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Vikings at Soldier Field, he initially feared it may be a season-ending matter. He was visibly emotional while being carted off the field for further evaluation.
The Bears ruled out a serious injury for Williams during an MRI the following day, after which head coach Ben Johnson left open the possibility that Williams could play the next game. That proved to be gamesmanship, as Williams wasn't close to being ready to return to the field. His return to practice came this past Friday, when he was a limited participant initially.
Williams’ emotions following the injury became the subject of national discussions and many online memes.
“I care about the team, the organization, winning, being out there, my teammates, all of that,” Williams said. “I care, and that's the biggest thing. This is what I love to do. This puts a smile on my face. It's everything to me. So, not being able to be out there was frustrating. It was more the tears or whatever that was."
The Bears didn't offer a specific timeline to clarify Williams’ status, instead leaning on Johnson to communicate about Williams' health. Johnson initially used that uncertainty to keep the Bears' opponent guessing who would be under center.
The Bears have gone 2-1 without Williams, led by backups Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum during his absence. They won their first two games without him before suffering an ugly 31-7 loss to the Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
As the Bears move forward, they’re thrilled to have Williams back under center.
“You certainly feel his energy when he’s around,” Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor said. “I mean, he’s got a big personality to begin with. People respond to him, people look to him just as a leader of our team, as a captain, so you sense that from him. But also I think he’s done a pretty good job of when the time is right, of taking a step back for the other guys that are starting and they’re the quarterback and they’re in charge of the huddle at that point in time.
“He’s done a good job in the situations he’s in. It’s not a situation guys are normally in that are your starting quarterbacks from the get-go. So, I've been pretty proud of the way he’s handled it so far.”
Williams' hamstring injury marked the first time in his three-year NFL career that he has missed a game. It also followed the Bears posting historic offensive numbers in a 59-37 win against the Panthers in their season opener.
For Williams, the hope is to get back on the field and move past the absence with good health and strong results.
“Obviously, it’s a tough situation for me not being able to play, not being able to practice and not being able to be out there with my brothers,” Williams said. “It’s been frustrating, it’s been challenging.
“I’ve gotten better each and each week. And I am not talking about the injury but just being able to handle the injury and be there to support the guys each week.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
