Most Chicago Bears starters, including Caleb Williams, will sit for final preseason game
The majority of the Chicago Bears starters, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Head coach Matt Eberflus made the announcement on Tuesday, CBS News Chicago's Matt Zahn reported.
Matt Eberflus announces "the majority of the starters" will not play in Thursday's preseason finale for the Bears. Confirms that Caleb Williams is NOT playing.@cbschicago
— Matt Zahn (@mattzahnsports) August 20, 2024
The move to sit the rookie comes after two straight preseason performances that appeared to impress his teammates and observers.
Williams led two scoring drives against Buffalo two weeks ago and two more against Cincinnati last Saturday, including running for a touchdown himself. The Bears so far are undefeated in preseason play through their first three games.
The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft has completed 50% of his passes for 170 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions, with a rating of 79.2.
Williams' teammates and coaches lauded him for his poise and resiliency so far this preseason as he's adjusted to the NFL.
"He's a great learner, very smart, works really hard, but he's also able to work with others," said Eberflus. "He's compatible personality-wise, in sync-wise to be able to communicate with people and his willingness to learn. You know how some people, the first time you meet them, you're like, 'Man this guy is a know-it-all.' You get that feeling ...but it kinda turns you off, right? A little bit. He is not that way at all."
Eberflus added that despite Williams' success at the college level, including winning the Heisman Trophy for his 2022 performance, his willingness to learn is "second to none."
The Bears will take on the Chiefs Thursday night in Kansas City in their preseason finale. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. central time.