Caleb Williams active for Bears against Falcons after missing three games
Chicago's quarterback is expected to start on October 18 after a right hamstring injury. Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is also active following a rib injury.
Caleb Williams is active and expected to start for the Chicago Bears against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on October 18, returning to the lineup after missing three games with a right hamstring injury. His availability gives the 3-2 Bears their starting quarterback back as they face the 2-3 Falcons, according to the Associated Press.
NBC Chicago also reported that Williams was on Chicago's active list for the game. His designation confirms he can play; the pregame reports describe his start as expected. Williams took part fully in practice during the week and said on Thursday that he was confident he would be ready, AP reported.
How the Bears managed Williams's absence
Williams injured his hamstring in Chicago's 9-3 loss to Minnesota on September 20. The Falcons game comes four weeks after that injury. The Bears went 2-1 in the three games he missed, with Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum filling in, according to AP.
Bagent will back up Williams against Atlanta, while Keenum is the emergency third quarterback, NBC Chicago reported, citing the team. The change comes after Bagent was benched during last week's game against the Green Bay Packers, according to NBC Chicago. Earlier NewsJaws coverage described Williams as [close to returning after the Bears' quarterback struggles](/news/caleb-williams-close-to-returning-after-rough-performance-for-bears-quarterbacks-54e6011b4e607989); the new development is his place on the active list for this game.
Quarterback and injury updates for Bears-Falcons
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is also active and expected to start, AP reported. He left the Falcons' 30-23 overtime loss to Baltimore the previous week with a rib injury, suffered in the fourth quarter. Penix practiced fully during the week, giving Atlanta an expected return at quarterback as well.
Chicago running back Kyle Monangai is inactive with thumb and toe injuries. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was ruled out with a hip injury, while defensive back Kyler Gordon is active after being activated from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, NBC Chicago reported. Those changes affect the Bears' backfield and secondary alongside Williams's return.
NBC Chicago also listed linebackers Keyshaun Elliott and TJ Edwards, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden and defensive lineman Jayden Loving among Chicago's inactive players. For Atlanta, AP reported that defensive end Za'Darius Smith is active after being listed as questionable with a neck injury.
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Sources and context
- Bears QB Caleb Williams is active and expected to start against Falcons after missing 3 gamesAssociated Press, republished by Yahoo Sports
- Bears inactives list: Caleb Williams officially active for Sunday's gameNBC Chicago
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.