Starting Quarterback for the Bears, Caleb Williams, will sit out the team's first preseason match.
Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Set to Make Preseason Debut Against Buffalo Bills
Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to make his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, August 17, 2025, after sitting out the team's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that Williams and the first-team offense will suit up for the game against the Bills, following a decision to hold most starters back in the first preseason game to limit injury risk. However, Johnson indicated that starters, including Williams, would see action in the second preseason game to get valuable reps before the regular season.
In the Bears' preseason opener against the Dolphins on August 11, Williams did not play, and veteran Case Keenum and Austin Reed took snaps instead. The number of starters who won't play in Sunday's preseason opener may change as the day progresses, but approximately 17 other starters, in addition to Williams, are also expected to sit out.
As a rookie, Williams started every game for the Bears, finishing with a record of 5-12, passing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Tyson Bagent, a third-year quarterback, will start against Miami and play the first half. Final decisions about which starters will play in the exhibition slate will be made on the day of the game.
The Bears and Dolphins are currently holding a joint practice, offering Johnson and his coaches an opportunity to observe Williams and the other starters. The number of starters who won't play in the exhibition slate is expected to vary, with about 9 players from the offense and 9 players from the defense not playing in Sunday's preseason opener. No specific details have been given about when Caleb Williams will play during the preseason exhibition slate.
The Bears and Dolphins will face off in their preseason opener on Sunday, August 17, with the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills scheduled for August 24. Fans eager to see Caleb Williams in action will have to wait a bit longer, but his debut is highly anticipated.
- The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, will make his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills on August 17, 2025.
- Bears head coach Ben Johnson has confirmed that Williams, along with the first-team offense, will participate in the game against the Bills.
- Williams' preseason debut comes after he sat out the Bears' preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
- Interestingly, Tyson Bagent, a third-year quarterback, will start the preseason opener against the Dolphins, with Williams expected to make his debut against the Buffalo Bills in the second preseason game.
- The second preseason game for the Bears is against the Buffalo Bills, scheduled for August 24, following their preseason opener against the Dolphins on August 17.
