Caleb Williams Receives Major Injury Update Ahead of Packers-Bears

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is inactive for the Week 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Williams has been out with a hamstring strain, but he had a chance to return in Week 5. After going through warmups, the Bears listed him as inactive, but he could be back on the field in Week 6.

With Williams out, Chicago will start Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Bagent got the start for the Bears in Week 4, leading them to a 23-12 win over the New York Jets. In that game, he completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception.

While Bagent didn't find the end zone, he completed a ton of his passes and had the lone mistake on a turnover. The run game led the way for Chicago's offense, with Kyle Monangai rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. 

It was a breakout performance from Monangai, but he also won't be available against the Packers. That will leave the Bears to lean on D'Andre Swift, who had 58 yards on 15 carries in Week 4.

Green Bay's defense needs to take advantage of Chicago's injuries and stop them while they aren't at full strength. However, it will still be a challenge for the Packers, as Bears head coach Ben Johnson is an incredible play caller, and he has proven he can win games with a backup quarterback.

If Green Bay can stop the run, it will force Bagent to win the game through the air, which is their best chance to stop Chicago's offense. 

The Packers' offense will look to get more out of its rushing attack. Green Bay has been unable to establish the run this season, with star running back Josh Jacobs still on the Commissioner's Exempt List and the offensive line struggling.

Green Bay has made a couple of veteran additions to the offensive line, which helped against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The Packers will hope the offensive line plays at a high level against the Bears, giving Jordan Love time to deliver downfield to Matthew Golden and Christian Watson.

Golden and Watson are off to strong starts to the 2026 season, consistently getting open for Love and making big plays.

While Green Bay has a ton of injuries to key players, Chicago is without its starting quarterback and talented running back, giving the Packers a prime opportunity to pick up a key home win against a divisional opponent.