The Chicago Bears are getting closer to having their starting quarterback back. Whether that happens against Atlanta remains uncertain, even after Caleb Williams took an important step forward in practice Thursday.
Ben Johnson addressed Williams' recovery during his October 16th press conference, explaining that the quarterback still has some requirements to meet before receiving clearance.
"I'm hopeful we'll have more clarity at the end of the day today," Johnson said.
That's encouraging, considering how much Chicago could use its starting quarterback following last week's 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. But Johnson wasn't ready to announce Williams as Sunday's starter.
Ben Johnson says Caleb Williams is progressing toward his return
Williams participated fully in Thursday's practice, his most demanding workout since suffering the hamstring injury.
Johnson liked what he saw, although one good practice wasn't enough to settle the question.
"He looked good yesterday for one practice, but we've got to be able to stack a few back-to-back," Johnson explained.
The Bears have been gradually increasing Williams' workload. He participated in a throwing session Wednesday before returning to more extensive work Thursday.
Johnson also indicated Williams appeared to handle that workload well the following morning.
When asked whether a full practice Friday and the absence of an injury designation would mean Williams starts Sunday, Johnson offered no firm commitment.
For a team hoping to get its season back on track, that leaves one rather important question unanswered.
Johnson addresses Caleb Williams' frustration with injury speculation
Williams made headlines Thursday when he challenged reports concerning the severity of his injury.
That subject came up again Friday, with Johnson being asked how he balances protecting competitive information while managing the attention surrounding his quarterback.
"Our communication's been great," Johnson said. "We've been very transparent with each other on how we want to go about our business right now."
Johnson added that Chicago wants to preserve every competitive advantage available.
Later, when asked whether Williams had expressed frustration during his recovery, Johnson offered a different perspective.
"I honestly didn't feel any frustration from him," he said.
Instead, Johnson described a quarterback adjusting to an unfamiliar situation. Williams had never spent this much time in the training room or been forced to watch other quarterbacks run the offense.
Johnson believes Williams' primary concern has been figuring out how to help his teammates while unable to play.
Bears coach doesn't expect Williams to change his game
One interesting part of Friday's press conference involved what Williams might have learned while watching Chicago's other quarterbacks.
Johnson acknowledged that getting the football out quickly remains an area where Williams can improve, particularly against defenses capable of generating immediate pressure.
But he doesn't want his quarterback abandoning the qualities that make him dangerous.
"We don't want him to change a whole lot of who he is," Johnson said.
That balance will be important whenever Williams returns.
Chicago needs him to recognize pressure and deliver the football on time without losing the improvisational ability that separates him from most quarterbacks.
Johnson believes Williams was improving before the injury and expects that progress to continue.
For now, the Bears are waiting on medical clearance rather than announcing a starter. Friday's practice could provide the final answers.
And after what happened in Green Bay, Chicago could certainly use some good news.
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