Bears QB Caleb Williams to play in preseason

While the plan is subject to change, the Chicago Bears plan to give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams live reps in preseason games next month.

Head coach Matt Eberflus said Friday as veterans reported for the start of training camp that Williams, the first pick in April's NFL draft, will benefit from taking the majority of the snaps against Chicago's No. 1 defense. But the Bears are eyeing somewhere between 45 to 65 total reps for Williams in the preseason, starting with the NFL preseason opener Aug. 1 as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend.

"Looking back at what some other guys have done in the past, we certainly want to do that. There's value in all the reps," Eberflus said. "I think there's equal value to going against the 1s every single day and also getting some of those preseason reps as well."

Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles looked at how the 2023 rookie class, including Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, were handled in preseason games to come up with the 45 to 65 range.

Most established quarterbacks play limited snaps or offensive series with the starters in a shortened preseason. Stroud likely will not be on the field when the Bears play the Houston Texans in Canton, Ohio, at the Hall of Fame Game.

Williams, 22, signed a four-year contract this week to report on time with rookies, including wide receiver Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick.

The team practices for the first time Saturday but opted to hold training camp at the team headquarters in Lake Forest, Ill., rather than the previous destination camp at Olivet Nazarene University in the far south suburb of Bourbonnais.

Poles, who spent more time with Williams than any member of the organization in the pre-draft buildup in the spring, said there is no question what the quarterback would decide if given the option to play or watch.

"His passion for the game and his work ethic is outstanding. The kid's a grinder and wants to be great," Poles said.

--Field Level Media