Early Caleb Williams injury update gives Bears reason for optimism

Williams is scheduled to undergo an MRI Monday on the right hamstring he injured during the fourth quarter of Chicago's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While the Bears still don't know the full extent of the injury, NBC Sports' Mike Florio reported Sunday night that there is early optimism Williams could be dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

A Grade 1 strain would be the mildest classification of a hamstring injury, although it still wouldn't guarantee Williams will be ready for Chicago's Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

For now, the MRI is what matters.

Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed after Sunday's game that Williams injured his hamstring and said the quarterback was "in good spirits." The fact that the injury wasn't to Williams' knee was an immediate source of relief after the frightening non-contact play.

Williams was also reportedly seen walking after the game without crutches.

None of that constitutes a diagnosis, and the Bears won't know how much time Williams could miss until the imaging is complete. But considering how bad the injury initially looked, the early developments are encouraging.

Williams went down with 7:27 remaining Sunday while scrambling to his left deep in Minnesota territory. He fell without being hit, immediately grabbed at the back of his right leg, and eventually needed assistance leaving the field before being transported to the locker room on a cart.

He finished the game 15-of-26 for 138 yards with an interception and rushed five times for 42 yards.

Caleb Williams has extra day for recovery

Chicago doesn't play again until Monday, Sept. 28, when the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles visit Soldier Field for Monday Night Football. Even if the MRI confirms a relatively mild strain, eight days is a short turnaround for a quarterback whose mobility is such an important part of his game.

If Williams can't play, Tyson Bagent would be next in line. But that's a decision for later.

Monday is about finding out exactly what happened to Williams' hamstring.

And after watching their franchise quarterback leave Soldier Field on a cart, the Bears couldn't have asked for much more encouraging preliminary news.