Caleb Williams avoids major hamstring injury as MRI reveals a strain but no tear after Vikings game scare
The most important MRI in the history of the Chicago Bears (maybe) returned good news on Monday because quarterback Caleb Williams avoided a major injury.
A source tells OutKick that Williams has a strained hamstring injury and that he is not expected to miss significant time following a major scare during Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Williams has what is being described as a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams grimaces in pain after going down during a run in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago.
CALEB WILLIAMS CARTED OFF AT SOLDIER FIELD WITH APPARANT HAMSTRING INJURY
That means he may miss between one and three weeks while he rehabilitates. Bears coach Ben Johnson told ESPN1000 in Chicago on Monday he expects Williams to be “week-to-week.”
Netflix Sports reported the Bears have not ruled out Williams for next Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The source told OutKick that was a “very optimistic” outlook.
What is realistic is that Williams avoided a full detachment of his hamstring, which was the fear after he went down untouched during a scramble out of the pocket in the game against the Vikings.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams runs with the football during the second half of an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings in Chicago on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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But the player’s reaction was not indicative of the injury’s seriousness, apparently.
Not even close, apparently.
His hamstring remains completely attached and structurally intact.
Williams was heard screaming as he lay on the turf and was eventually carted off the field amid the fear it could be his last time in uniform this season.
Tyson Bagent #17 of the Chicago Bears scrambles with the ball during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Williams, who has suffered and overcome hamstring issues in the past, is expected to begin a rehab program as early as Monday.
The Bears will go with backup quarterback Tyson Bagent in the games Williams misses, coach Ben Johnson said on Sunday.
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