CalebWilliams

News: 2 days agoBears head coach Ben Johnson was non-committal on a return date for Williams (hamstring) after Sunday's 31-7 loss to the Packers, Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com reports. "He's on track. We'll see if that's Atlanta [in Week 6] or after," Johnson said. "I think it's going to be close."

Spin: Prior to Williams being deemed inactive for a third straight game Sunday due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the quarterback is "pushing to play" next weekend against the Falcons, and the fact he was able to complete a pregame workout backed up that sentiment. Johnson's comments afterward keeps the situation in some limbo for the time being, but the combined play of reserve signal-callers Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum on Sunday could spur the Bears to turn back to Williams after a second loss in the last four contests.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Williams enters his third NFL season after a solid rookie campaign in 2024 followed by a big leap forward in 2025. Williams finished last season no lower than 11th among QBs in pass attempts, completions, pass yards, passing TDs, carries, rush yards, rush TDs and fantasy points per game. While Williams' completion percentage was one of the worst in the league (58%), his dual-threat ability and turnover avoidance (seven INTs both seasons) has led to solid fantasy output. The 2024 No. 1 draft pick has a good supporting cast in playcaller Ben Johnson and a trio of young pass catchers in Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. Williams is a fringe QB1 with upside for another leap.