Chicago Bears will play starters in Week 2 preseason game vs. Bengals

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed after Thursday’s training camp practice that, despite holding joint practices against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Bengals choosing to sit their starters for Week 2’s preseason game, Caleb Williams and the rest of the 1s will get some snaps on Saturday.

Coach Eberflus announced that starters will play Saturday against the Bengals pic.twitter.com/7WfS3STq7h

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 15, 2024

I think Eberflus made the right choice. After what Williams showed last week in Buffalo, and with only one joint practice instead of the usual two, it makes sense to keep Williams in a good flow.

There are other starters that the fans are looking forward to seeing, of course. Montez Sweat has quickly become a fan favorite, and Chicago loves its trio of receivers. But Bears fans know better than most how hard it is for even a great roster to win without a good quarterback. See the 2018 season.

If the Bears are to reach the lofty expectations that many have for them heading into this season, it will have to be because Williams first lived up to the hype.

On Saturday, the hometown fans will get their first live look at what hopefully becomes known as a long and successful Caleb Williams era.