Bears get best possible Caleb Williams news after hamstring tests

According to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, testing confirmed that Williams avoided a major hamstring injury after being carted to the locker room during Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Even more encouraging, Pelissero reports that the Bears aren't ruling Williams out for next Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

That's a massive sigh of relief after a frightening scene at Soldier Field.

Williams suffered the non-contact injury midway through the fourth quarter while scrambling to his left on first-and-goal from the Minnesota 6-yard line. He went to the ground in obvious pain, needed assistance getting off the field, and was eventually taken to the locker room on a cart.

The Bears immediately announced a hamstring injury, but coach Ben Johnson acknowledged after the game that his initial fear was something involving Williams' knee.

"I'm actually happy it's nothing with the knee," Johnson told reporters Sunday while adding that the Bears would know more following Monday's testing.

Now they do, and the initial news couldn't be much more encouraging.

Caleb Williams could have a chance to play against Eagles

There were already positive signs after Sunday's game. Williams was spotted walking through the Bears' locker room under his own power and without crutches after the game. Johnson also said his quarterback was in good spirits.

But Monday's report is much better.

Avoiding a major hamstring injury dramatically changes the outlook for Williams and the Bears. The fact that Chicago reportedly isn't even ruling him out against Philadelphia suggests this may not become the extended absence that seemed possible when Williams was carted away Sunday.

Still, it doesn't mean Williams will play.

Hamstring injuries can be tricky, particularly for a quarterback whose mobility is such a significant part of his game. The Bears have an extra day before facing Philadelphia on Monday Night Football, but they'll still have to determine how Williams responds throughout the week before deciding whether he can return.

If Williams can't play, Tyson Bagent would be the next man up. Bagent entered against Minnesota and completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards as Chicago attempted a late comeback.

Williams finished Sunday's loss 15-of-26 passing for 138 yards with one interception while adding 42 rushing yards on five attempts. The defeat dropped Chicago to 1-1 after Williams accounted for four touchdowns in the Bears' 59-37 Week 1 victory over Carolina.

After watching their franchise quarterback go down untouched and leave Soldier Field on a cart, Bears fans had every reason to fear the worst. One day later, Williams has avoided a major injury, and apparently still has a chance to be under center against the Eagles.

That's a remarkably positive turn of events.