Caleb Williams spoke for the first time on Thursday since he suffered a hamstring injury that has forced him to miss multiple games. Among the things Williams discussed was the reaction many people had to his reaction to the injury.
The 24-year-old took issue with the way his injury was portrayed as well, claiming that “every single” report was inaccurate. Williams said the widespread criticism of him crying while being carted off the field “doesn’t bother me.”
#Bears QB Caleb Williams on people who criticized his emotion/tears leaving the field after his injury:
“Yeah, I’m always going to show emotion, especially when I can’t be out there with the guys. … I care about the team, the organization, winning, being out there, my teammates—all of that. I care, and that’s the biggest thing. This is what I love to do. This puts a smile on my face. It’s everything to me. So, not being able to be out there was frustrating. That was more of the tears, or whatever that was.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 15, 2026
“I’m always going to show emotion, especially when I can’t be out there with the guys when something like that happens,” he added.
“I felt a pop,” Williams said. “That’s why I looked back. I looked back just like everybody else does when you feel a pop. Think somebody grabbed you and nobody grabbed me.”
Williams confirmed that it was a hamstring tear but he didn’t go into specifics.
Williams also shared that he’s been receiving daily treatment on his hamstring and that he’ll have no hesitation in scrambling once he returns.
“Do not know if I’m playing yet,” Williams said Thursday. “Have to go through a bunch of medical protocols. Obviously, you have to get out there and practice, do the stress testing that you do when you’re trying to come back from an injury or serious injury.”
Caleb Williams on the severity of his injury:
“It was a hamstring tear and a pretty serious one.”
“Yea we got a grade, but I wouldn’t say it’s deserved to be put out there after all the false ones, so.” https://t.co/cbZwVCiRea
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 15, 2026
Williams also shared that he’s been receiving daily treatment on his hamstring and that he’ll have no hesitation in scrambling once he returns.
The Bears have posted a 2-1 record without Williams. Fellow quarterbacks Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum have both played in his absence.
Williams has passed for 407 yards with two touchdowns and one interception this season. He’s also rushed for 107 yards.
The Bears will travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons on Sunday.
