Who will be the Bears starting quarterback vs. Falcons? What Ben Johnson said

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Who will be the Bears starting quarterback vs. Falcons? What Ben Johnson said

Who will be the Bears starting quarterback vs. Falcons? What Ben Johnson said

Rachel Crader, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Sat, Oct 17, 2026 ·

3 min read

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Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson continues to keep the playing status of top quarterback Caleb Williams a mystery.

Johnson was asked Friday, Oct. 16, if his star, who has been out since Week 2 with a hamstring injury, will play in a Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons

"Potentially," he said.

Williams returned to practice this week, including Friday, shortly after Johnson spoke with reporters.

"I'm hopeful we'll have more clarity at the end of the day today," Johnson said. "He looked good yesterday for one practice, but, we've got to be able to stack a few back-to-back."

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Johnson, who has been mysterious about his starting back throughout most of Williams' absence, said the focus is on making sure no effects of the injury linger.

"Confidence is a big part of it as well, but I know he wants to play," Johnson said. "He's a competitor. It's been not fun for him the last few weeks watching from the sideline, just like any guy that loves football. It's been a tough deal for him. I know he's itching to get back out there and help us win ball games. If we feel really good as a front office, a coaching staff, and the player himself about playing, then we'll go ahead and go with it."

Williams sparked optimism among fans by reposting a video on TikTok on Friday that referenced his comeback, but he did not provide any additional information on a timeline.

"Before you start asking, I do not know if I'm playing yet," Williams said Thursday. "I have to go through a bunch of medical protocols; obviously have to get out there and practice, do the stress testing that you do when you're trying to come back from injury or serious injury. That's first."

Who will start for the Bears if Caleb Williams can't play?

The Bears have a 2-1 record in the three games since Williams' injury with Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum at quarterback.

Johnson was equally cryptic about who might start if Williams can't play against the Falcons.

"We've got two guys that are equally qualified," he said.

Keenum, 38, led the Bears to a 27-7 Week 3 victory over the Eagles after Bagent was ruled out with a concussion. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing).

Bagent then led Chicago to a 23-12 victory over the Jets in Week 4, completing 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards, though he did throw an interception. He struggled against the Packers the following week, completing just 12 of 21 passes for 87 yards before being benched for Keenum in a 31-7 drubbing.

Chicago Bears QB depth chart

Below is a full look at Chicago's quarterback depth chart, which currently runs four-deep.

Caleb Williams (injured)
Tyson Bagent
Case Keenum
Miller Moss (practice squad)

Jacob Camenker contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will be the Bears starting quarterback vs. Falcons? What Ben Johnson said

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Who will be the Bears starting quarterback vs. Falcons? What Ben Johnson said

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Madden cover athletes by year, from Eddie George to Caleb Williams

Who will start for the Bears if Caleb Williams can't play?

Chicago Bears QB depth chart