Caleb Williams is Back for TNF, But the Bears Backfield Takes a Hit

The Chicago Bears are getting their franchise quarterback back just in time to save us from another backup quarterback primetime special.

According to Ian Rapoport on Good Morning Football, Caleb Williams is officially healthy and ready to roll for Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots. The bad news is that running back Kyle Monangai is sitting this one out, though his return is reportedly right around the corner.

"Ian Rapoport reported via Good Morning Football that Caleb Williams is healthy and Kyle Monangai is out but nearing a return."

Williams gave the entire city of Chicago a collective heart attack when he was carted off with a hamstring injury against the Minnesota Vikings. Fortunately, the MRI revealed a minor Grade 1 strain, which is the medical equivalent of a check-engine light that turns off the next time you start the car.

Tyson Bagent did his best to keep the ship afloat in relief during that Vikings game, throwing for 54 yards and nearly pulling off a late comeback. Bagent is a great story and proved his worth back in 2023 when he went 2-2 filling in for Justin Fields, but nobody is tuning into a Thursday night broadcast hoping to see a gritty backup manage the pocket.

Losing Monangai for the night does sting, especially on a short week where running the football is usually the only thing keeping these Thursday games watchable. Bettors looking at the totals will have to weigh a healthy Williams against a backfield missing a key piece, which usually means a lot of quick screens and hoping the young quarterback can make magic happen outside the numbers.

The Bears are coming off a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons and desperately need to keep stacking wins. Williams being back under center gives them a massive edge against New England, while Monangai gets a few extra days to rest up for the next slate.