Bears to preserve Caleb Williams, starters in preseason finale

Field Level Media|published: Tue 20th August, 15:42 2024

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. The Bears led 10-3 at halftime.

Caleb Williams and the majority of the Chicago Bears' starters are done playing preseason games this summer, head coach Matt Eberflus said Tuesday.

The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, Williams was named the starter for the Bears in May and had 170 passing yards and 20 rushing yards with a touchdown in two brief appearances in previous preseason games this month.

A part of the first preseason game of the year, the Bears close out the preseason Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the first team to play -- Sept. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens -- in the 2024 regular season.

Eberflus said Williams has done enough to prove the Bears right about their selection of the former Southern California quarterback.

"He's compatible personality-wise, instinct-wise with people and his willingness to learn. You know how some people, the first time you meet them it's like, ‘Man, this guy is a know-it-all.' You get that feeling," Eberflus said Tuesday.

"Not about any of you guys but it kind of turns you off, right? He is not that way at all. He has tremendous success, you know, Heisman (2023), first pick in the draft, very successful as a college player. His willingness to learn is second to none. He just wants to grab the information, learn and get better. When he does have adversity, he rises to the challenge and that's what you want from your quarterback."

--Field Level Media