Caleb Williams Takes Clear Stance on Preseason Reps Ahead of Hall of Fame Game

The Chicago Bears will open up the 2024 NFL preseason on Thursday night in Canton, OH, for the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans. It will be the first opportunity for Bears and football fans to get an early look at first-overall pick Caleb Williams.

There’s a lot of excitement and optimism surrounding Williams, who had a good final two years at USC. The former Heisman Trophy winner has made a few wow plays at training camp, which fans can’t wait to see in live action against another team.

However, with it being the first preseason game and most teams just opening up training camp last week, we may not see much of Williams or the Bears’ first-team offense. The rookie QB stressed the importance of preseason reps when talking to the media on Monday. But at the same time, Williams understands it’s not up to if he plays on Thursday.

“I would love to get out there and play,” Williams said via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “It’s pretty awesome to be at Canton but it’s coach’s decision.”

Last year, when the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns faced off in the Hall of Fame Game, neither starting quarterback played, and the same thing happened in 2022. 

It’s more likely we could see Williams and the Bears’ first-team offense play on Aug. 10 against the Buffalo Bills. Between now and Chicago’s next preseason game, it would give Williams a few more reps with the first-team offense before he faces a different opponent.

That said, it’s only Tuesday and Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus hasn’t decided who will start under center on Thursday night. Therefore, the possibility of Williams still playing is still open.

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