Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will not play against the New York Jets in NFL Week 4 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Williams has been dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered during Chicago’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The injury has now forced the Bears’ franchise quarterback to miss his second consecutive game.
Why Is Caleb Williams Out vs. Jets?
Williams was unable to practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday leading into the Week 4 matchup and was officially ruled out by the Bears.
A Grade 2 hamstring strain can require several weeks of recovery, and Chicago is taking a cautious approach with its starting quarterback rather than risking an aggravation early in the season.
Williams also missed Chicago’s Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Who Is Starting at QB for the Bears Today?
With Williams unavailable, Tyson Bagent is expected to start at quarterback against the Jets.
Bagent received the majority of Chicago’s first-team practice repetitions during the week, positioning him to take over the offense while Williams continues his recovery.
Veteran Case Keenum is expected to serve as another quarterback option for Chicago. Keenum started in Week 3 and helped the Bears defeat the Eagles 27-7.
When Will Caleb Williams Return?
There is currently no guaranteed return date for Williams.
The reported recovery timetable for his Grade 2 hamstring strain is approximately three to four weeks, meaning his status will continue to be evaluated ahead of Chicago’s upcoming games.
Whether Williams can return for Week 5 will depend on his progress in practice and how the hamstring responds as he increases his football activity.
The Bears are unlikely to rush Williams back if there is significant concern about reinjury.
Caleb Williams Injury Status for Bears vs. Jets
Player: Caleb Williams
Team: Chicago Bears
Position: Quarterback
Opponent: New York Jets
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Week: NFL Week 4
Status: OUT
Injury: Hamstring
Expected starter: Tyson Bagent
Jets vs. Bears Week 4
The Bears host the Jets at Soldier Field with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Williams’ absence represents a significant storyline for Chicago as the Bears attempt to navigate another game without their starting quarterback.
For Bears fans wondering why Caleb Williams isn’t playing today, the answer is straightforward: Williams remains sidelined by the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2 and has not yet been cleared to return for NFL Week 4 against the New York Jets.