Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has officially confirmed that franchise quarterback Caleb Williams will not suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. The decision, announced following Thursday’s practice at Halas Hall, extends to several other key starters as the team prioritizes health and long-term readiness for the 17-game regular season. With Williams sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Tyson Bagent, who is scheduled to start and handle the majority of the first half at Soldier Field.
Strategic Rest for the Starters
Coach Johnson emphasized that his decision is rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of player volume and training staff input. "I don’t know that I need to see game snaps," Johnson noted regarding Williams, citing the progress he sees daily in practice. The goal is to ensure the roster is fresh for the season opener on September 13 against the Carolina Panthers. This marks the second consecutive year Williams has sat out the preseason opener, a strategy the team previously employed to manage his workload before he eventually appeared in later exhibition games against the Bills and Chiefs.
Player Spotlight: Tyson Bagent
For Tyson Bagent, Saturday represents a significant opportunity to solidify his role as the primary backup. The former undrafted free agent from Shepherd University has already proven his mettle, appearing in 12 games with four starts during his tenure in Chicago. Bagent is no stranger to preseason success; last year, he capped off the exhibition schedule with a stellar performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing for 212 yards and three touchdowns. His familiarity with the system provides the coaching staff with a reliable floor while the starters remain protected.
Key Storylines to Watch
Beyond the quarterback position, the Bears will use this matchup to evaluate depth across the roster. Rookie Kiran Amegadjie is slated to start at left tackle, alternating quarters with Jedrick Wills Jr. to provide a clear look at the protection unit. Once Bagent exits the game, the offense is expected to be led by veterans Case Keenum and Miller Moss. This evaluation window is critical for the "bottom of the roster" players fighting for a spot on the final 53-man squad before the regular season kicks off.
Looking Ahead
While fans may be disappointed not to see Williams under center this weekend, the focus remains on the bigger picture. The Bears are looking for the offense to hit specific benchmarks of progress throughout the remainder of the preseason. Whether Williams will see action in upcoming games against the Cincinnati Bengals or Tennessee Titans remains to be seen, but for now, the organization is content playing it safe to ensure their cornerstone is ready for the real battles in September.
