Caleb Williams has been ruled out for the Bears' game against the Jets due to a hamstring injury, marking his second consecutive absence. The Bears have not disclosed whether Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum will start in his place, leaving the quarterback situation uncertain. Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized that the team's preparation has been a collective effort, with players supporting each other to stay ready.
Williams sustained his injury during the fourth quarter of the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Vikings, and while Bagent returned from concussion protocol, the team has relied heavily on its run game, leading the NFL with 184.3 rushing yards per game. This strategy aims to provide a solid foundation as the passing game awaits clarity on the starting quarterback.
The Jets, facing their own challenges with running back Breece Hall sidelined due to a quad injury, have shown an efficient passing game, averaging 9.1 yards per attempt with quarterback Geno Smith yet to throw an interception this season. This sets up a challenging matchup for a Bears defense that ranks 15th in total defense and 22nd against the run, as the team seeks to determine if their quarterback room can effectively function without its starter.