Caleb Williams Carted Off as Bears Fall 9-3 to Vikings

The Chicago Bears lost their quarterback and their Sunday in the same fourth quarter. Caleb Williams went down with a non-contact right hamstring injury in the Bears' 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, and was carted to the locker room with 7:27 left in the game. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.

The injury happened while Chicago was driving in Vikings territory. Williams rolled out to his left and scrambled toward the end zone when he pulled up without being touched, grabbed at his right leg, and dropped to the turf. He screamed in pain as trainers ran out, tried to stand twice, and could not put weight on the leg. He was helped off the field with his arms around members of the medical staff, then loaded onto a cart with a towel over his head. On the way out he raised a fist and gave a thumbs-up to the home crowd.

According to an update from the Bears issued before the final whistle, Williams was ruled out for the rest of the contest with a hamstring injury. Head coach Ben Johnson told reporters the team would know more about the severity in the coming days. Johnson said he was relieved the injury did not involve Williams' knee, but cautioned that a hamstring injury "can be pretty damaging as well." NBC Sports reported that Williams walked through the locker room afterward with only a slight limp and no crutches.

What the injury means for the Bears

The injury interrupts a streak of 36 consecutive starts for Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, who is in his third season as Chicago's franchise quarterback. He broke out in 2025 with 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and opened this season by throwing for 269 yards and two scores while running for 65 yards and two more in a 59-37 win over Carolina.

Former NFL team physician Dr. David Chao floated a possible right hamstring sprain after reviewing video of the play, but that remains speculation until the Bears release their own diagnosis. Chao noted that cartilage, knee, or Achilles damage did not appear to be involved based on the footage. Williams is expected to begin rehabilitation as soon as the team has the MRI results.

Backup Tyson Bagent finished the game in place of Caleb Williams, according to Field Level Media. Bagent completed five of nine passes for 54 yards on the final drive, which ended with a blocked field goal and a turnover on downs that sealed the 9-3 result. Johnson said Williams was in good spirits after the game.

How the game slipped away

The loss was a deflating sequel to one of the most productive offensive openers in league history. A week after the Bears and Panthers combined for 96 points, the most ever in a Week 1 game, Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores stifled Ben Johnson's offense. Chicago had more penalties than first downs in the first half and managed just three points through three quarters in the rain.

Williams finished 15 of 26 for 138 yards with one interception before leaving, and added 42 yards on five carries. The Bears' lone scoring drive set up a tying attempt that was blocked, and Bagent's final push stalled on downs inside Vikings territory.

Minnesota, led by Carson Wentz, improved to 2-0 with upset wins over two division rivals to open the season. The Vikings' defense registered four sacks and held Chicago's high-powered attack under control throughout the afternoon. Chicago fell to 1-1.

What comes next

Everything now hinges on Monday's imaging. If the strain is minor, Williams could return quickly, and early reports from the locker room leaned toward cautious optimism. If the damage is more serious, injured reserve would sideline him for at least four games, leaving the Bears to lean on Bagent during a stretch of the schedule they can ill afford to lose.

Chicago's next game is on Monday Night Football in Week 3, when the Bears face the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson said the team would have to turn the page quickly once it knew the extent of the injury. The Bears hold their practice week in Chicago before traveling, and the MRI results on Monday will decide whether the 24-year-old starts that game or watches from the sideline.