For a team like the Bears that led the league in fourth quarter rallies last season, it seemed like Caleb Williams was on his way to another signature comeback, trailing the Vikings just 6-3.Until a hamstring injury takes down the star quarterback, sucking the air out of Soldier Field.
More tests were scheduled Monday morning including an MRI. Head coach Ben Johnson was scheduled to meet reporters at 3:00 PM and may have an update.
The Bears wind up losing their seventh straight home game to Minnesota, 9-3.
Rain ruled on the lakefront, where the Bears scored on their first drive to tie the game 3-3, but suffered two crucial miscues- D'Andre Swift's fumble on the goal line while trailing just 6-3 to start the second half, and Cairo Santos' blocked field goal.
"Oh, the weather was a major factor in this game. It was the big story of this game." Johnson says.
"Both defensive coordinators (Bears' Dennis Allen and Vikings' Brian Flores) did a great job making it very challenging for the opposing offense."
Before going down Williams was 15/26 for 138 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT (1st q), sacked 3 times, 42 yards rushing.
Teammates like DL Grady Jarett were shaken seeing their top star go down in pain and leave the sideline on a cart.
"It just shows that he's human." Jarett says.
"He's Superman. He does his thing. But he's human and sometimes in this game its unpredictable. We obviously always want the best for him and his health first."
Backup QB Tyson Bagent completes 5/9 passes for 54yds, 0 TD, 0 INT and gets sacked on the final play of the game when the Bears had 1 second left for a potential winning touchdown pass.
"I've called plays for him all pre-season. So, we'll be fine." Johnson says about Bagent, who's likely to fill in for Williams next Monday night against the Eagles.
"I don't think anything will change as far as my week goes other than practice reps going up." Bagent says.
"Just got to continue to stay focused, continue to stay sharp and prepare the best that we can going into each week."
The (1-1) Bears are around 3-1/2 point underdogs at home with Philadelphia on Monday night football.
Caleb Williams isn't alone in the injury department. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is also dealing with a hamstring injury.
