Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to miss three to four weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. The injury is considered to have a typical recovery window of roughly three to four weeks, although Williams could potentially return sooner, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.

Williams suffered the injury during a noncontact scramble in the fourth quarter of Chicago’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 20. He was unable to practice throughout the week and was officially ruled out Saturday for Monday night’s home game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The absence will end Williams’ streak of starting every regular-season and playoff game since Chicago selected him No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

The initial diagnosis had left Williams’ status described as week-to-week by coach Ben Johnson, who said the early medical report was encouraging. The latest evaluation provides a clearer indication that the quarterback is facing a longer absence, though the three-to-four-week estimate is not considered a firm return date. Reuters reported that Johnson had previously noted Williams has recovered quickly from injuries.

If Williams misses three games, his earliest potential return would come Oct. 18 at Atlanta or the schedule could also put a possible return against Green Bay on Oct. 11 into consideration, depending on his recovery. Williams has completed 65.5% of his passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception through the first two games of the season.

Chicago will turn to either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum against Philadelphia. Bagent, who suffered a concussion after replacing Williams against Minnesota, cleared the necessary steps to practice Saturday but remained in concussion protocol and was listed as questionable. Keenum would start if Bagent is not cleared.

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