Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson opted to protect Caleb Williams in the team's preseason opener and hinted at the fact the starter could sit out the entire preseason. Reasons why this was a wise decision were on display in another preseason opener, as New York Giants starter Jaxson Dart was put into the lineup against the Minnesota Vikings and took a brutal first quarter hit. While Dart would go back into the game eventually, the starter missed time as he was evaluated for a concussion.
Dart took punishment there was no need for the second-year starter to endure, getting dinged long before snaps that truly mattered. While one can argue there is value in having the reps going into the season, there is no excuse to let your quarterback take the level of punishment that Dart endured in New York's preseason opener.
It served as a reminder that while fans might be frustrated not to see Williams take the field, there is also value in avoiding the mental toll it would take on the fanbase. There is no debating that fans would be holding their breath on every snap, worrying that the third-year starter would take a hit that could end Chicago's season or alter it before it actually begins.
Johnson clearly has faith that practice reps and experience are going to be enough to help Williams get off to a hot start. It likely helps matters as well that you're starting the 2026 season with very winnable games against the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings.
Bears Decision to Protect Caleb Williams in Preseason Already Paying Off
Even with Dart proving healthy and getting back on the field it is a long season where your quarterback is going to take a level of punishment no matter how elite your protection might be. New York allowing there already to be an existing ding when you have options to plug into the preseason lineup shows exactly why Williams stayed on the bench.
It will be interesting to watch if Johnson continues to take this approach, as the head coach hinted at or gives in to giving Williams a handful of preseason reps. After seeing injuries around the league and looking at the risk, there is a clear defense for Williams not to play a single preseason rep.
As much as fans are ready to see their franchise star back on the field, there will be no complaints if the Bears opt to protect Williams. Watching Dart take such a huge early-season blow served as a reminder of the risks and what is actually important ahead of a 2026 season with Super Bowl expectations.
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