Bears quarterback Caleb Williams practiced fully Thursday at Halas Hall for the first time since his Week 2 hamstring injury.
Williams had been listed as a full participant in Wednesday's walk-through, but Thursday marked his first actual practice session since he hurt his right hamstring during the Sept. 20 loss to the Vikings. He missed three consecutive games.
Coach Ben Johnson told reporters on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that the starting quarterback for Sunday, Oct. 18, against the Atlanta Falcons remains undecided among Williams, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum.
"It's still fluid, but I feel good about the plan that we have in place at this point," Johnson said, according to ChicagoBears.com.
Johnson said health is the top priority for all three quarterbacks and that none is "exactly 100%" at this point in the season. He wants whoever starts to have a good rapport with the offensive line and pass catchers. Adam Hoge of CHGO Bears wrote on X that Williams remains on track to return Sunday in Atlanta.
The QB decision follows a 31-7 loss to the Packers on Oct. 11 in which the offense managed a season-low 246 yards and committed five turnovers. Johnson said he plans a "back-to-the-basics" approach, trimming the playbook and refocusing on fundamentals. He said the Bears have had too many three-and-outs and that turnovers were a major issue in Green Bay. He also acknowledged his own role, saying he needs to help the offense find a better rhythm as play caller.
The defense faces a shakeup of its own. The NFL suspended defensive end Montez Sweat for two games without pay on Oct. 13 for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who left the Packers game with a quad injury, is also likely to miss time. Johnson said the injury is not serious enough for injured reserve but that Odeyingbo will be sidelined for a stretch.
Third-year defensive end Austin Booker, who leads the Bears with 4.0 sacks on 58% of defensive snaps, could see expanded playing time. Defensive end Jamree Kromah and rookie defensive tackle Jayden Loving could be active for the first time in 2026.
Second-year defensive lineman Shemar Turner was added to the active roster Oct. 13 after tearing his ACL last October. Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said Turner has been working hard in his recovery and looks powerful coming off the ball.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is day-to-day with a hip issue. Cornerback Kyler Gordon, who returned to practice Sept. 30 from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, must be activated by next week.
The Bears (3-2) visit the Falcons (2-3) on Sunday, Oct. 18.
