Caleb Williams and Bears starters WON’T play in Hall of Fame game

So much for Caleb Williams making his Chicago Bears debut Thursday night against the Houston Texans.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus announced Tuesday that the starters will watch the Hall of Fame game from the sideline.

Coach Eberflus announced that starters will not be playing in the Hall of Fame Game Thursday pic.twitter.com/tjBDrU1opS

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 30, 2024

Tyson Bagent will start at quarterback. Brett Rypien and Austin Reed will see action as well.

I’d expect a heavy dose of Roschon Johnson carries and perhaps a lot of touches for Velus Jones Jr. as well.

“Obviously the passion the Chicago fans have is second to none,” Eberflus said. “It’s the best in the world. That’s why I’m always mindful of decisions we make to make sure that experience is good for them out here. … But you always have to put in the front of your mind the safety and health of your football team to get ready for that first game.”

It’s a bummer that Caleb Williams won’t play. It’s a missed opportunity for Chicago to get him valuable reps, even if it’s just a scrimmage. We’ll have to wait another week before No. 18’s debut.