Injuries Likely to Force Bears to Change Caleb Williams Plan

Despite the Chicago Bears officially opening their preseason with the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans last week, fans didn't get a chance to get a look at their new star quarterback. The team has made it clear that the starters wouldn't play in the first preseason game. However, there was expectation that Caleb Williams would get 45-to-55 preseason snaps before Week 1 and Bears fans were hoping that the first of those would come against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

However, the latest report out of the Bears' training camp suggests that the likelihood of that is decreasing by the day. Bears insider Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago reported that due to the offensive line situation, head coach Matt Eberflus might choose to hold off on playing Williams.

"Matt Eberflus has been clear that offensive line health in front of Williams will dictate the quarterback's playtime...If Sunday's offensive line situation is any indication, Williams' preseason debut might be in jeopardy if health doesn't improve. "

- Josh Schrock, NBC Sports Chicago

The Bears are currently missing three starting offensive linemen. Right tackle Darnell Wright, left guard Teven Jenkins, and right guard Nate Davis were either limited or non-participants in the latest practice session. Missing three of your five offensive linemen would put any quarterback at increased risk of injury.

On Sunday, the starting offensive line was Braxton Jones, Jerome Carvin, Ryan Bates, Bill Murray, and Matt Pryor. That group reportedly struggled against the first-team defensive front. According to Schrock, Williams was under constant pressure playing behind that group.

If the starting O-line isn't back to full health by Saturday, it's completely understandable that Eberflus would keep Williams sidelined. The No. 1 overall pick needs his reps to be with as many starters as possible and there isn't much benefit to having him out there behind a weak offensive line. Unfortunately, it sounds like Bears fans will

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