The 2025 NFL training camps are underway, with players shaking off offseason rust ahead of the preseason. Among those under the spotlight is quarterback Caleb Williams, who is facing significant challenges adapting to the Chicago Bears’ new offensive scheme under head coach Ben Johnson. The early struggles of Caleb Williams highlight the steep learning curve as the league’s first week of camp unfolds, emphasizing his quest to find footing amid fresh surroundings and expectations.
Overview of NFL Training Camp Progress As Preseason Approaches
This week marks the beginning of NFL training camps, offering teams valuable insight even as pads and contact drills remain weeks away. The 2025 preseason will officially open soon with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, featuring the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers. All NFL teams will commence their exhibition schedules shortly after, but early practice observations are already revealing important narratives and performance trends across many franchises.
Missing Link: Justin Jefferson Sidelined in Early Vikings Camp
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, one of the most prolific pass catchers in recent NFL history, is sidelined during early training camp sessions due to a mild hamstring strain. Jefferson’s absence limits opportunities for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is working toward developing chemistry with his top target. Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Jefferson’s injury and stated the wide receiver would miss practice but is expected to return soon.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced that WR Justin Jefferson has a mild hamstring strain and he will be held out of practice. Jefferson will be re-evaluated next week.— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 25, 2025
With McCarthy coming off a preseason meniscus injury that hampered his rookie year, Jefferson stressed the need for patience as McCarthy settles into the offense and builds rapport with new teammates. Despite the setback, O’Connell shared optimism that Jefferson’s injury is minor and will not affect his availability for Week 1.
The best thing is we avoided anything serious,
O’Connell said.
I see no concerns in regards to [Week 1] and have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.
Without Jefferson in the early practices, McCarthy is working through an adjustment period that reflects both the quarterback’s relative youth and the need to deepen connections within the Vikings’ passing game.
Caleb Williams’ Difficult Start in Bears Camp Reveals Challenges Ahead
Caleb Williams has encountered a tough initiation into the Bears’ offensive system under head coach Ben Johnson. Following a rookie season marked by enduring 68 sacks—ranking third-most ever—Williams must now overcome ingrained habits and adapt to a new playbook and environment. According to reports from The Athletic, Williams failed to complete any of five pass attempts during a red zone 7-on-7 drill, which included drops, a deflected pass, and two interceptions. Safety Jaquan Brisker and linebacker T.J. Edwards were credited with those turnovers, indicating Williams is still working to sharpen his decision-making and accuracy.
In a subsequent two-minute drill, Williams showed some promise by connecting with wide receiver Rome Odunze and escaping pressure with a scramble, but penalties and a sack stalled the drive, resulting in a field goal instead of a touchdown. Rookie second-round offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo was flagged for a false start, disrupting the momentum. Despite these setbacks, observers noted sporadic flashes of potential, though Williams will require sustained improvement to solidify his position as a franchise quarterback.
Tough day for Caleb (wasn’t all bad) several tipped and dropped balls. 1st red zone series 0-5 2 int. Had a couple TDs to Rome and Zaccheaus. Very early and there were some flashes but not Caleb’s best day. #DaBears #Bears pic.twitter.com/FlviLdz0sm— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) July 25, 2025
The challenging start underscores that Williams is still in the early stages of translating his collegiate success to consistent NFL production amid an offensive overhaul, with many analysts cautioning patience as he adjusts.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase Continue to Impress in Bengals Practices
By contrast, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase appear locked in and firing on all cylinders. Chase, who delivered a historic 2024 season by leading the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, showed no sign of slowing during Friday’s training camp drills. A standout 11-on-11 red zone sequence featured Burrow hitting Chase for a one-handed, toe-tapping touchdown reception, demonstrating the pair’s ongoing chemistry and play-making ability even in early practice settings.
Their seamless connection poses a major challenge for defenses aiming to slow the Bengals’ dynamic passing attack in the upcoming season.
Quarterback Battle in Cleveland Highlights Kenny Pickett’s Early Success
The quarterback competition in Cleveland remains a focal point during 2025 training camp. Veteran Joe Flacco, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are vying for leading roles on the Browns. So far, Pickett has earned praise from quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave for his “stellar” performances in camp sessions. Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel have each taken snaps with the first team in drills, while Sanders has yet to receive first-team reps despite entering the season with notable expectations.
Whenever I get my opportunity, I got to maximize it,
Sanders commented.
I just got to think about what I could do to get better even if I’m not getting reps. It’s no problem. I feel like it’s not in my control. So I’m not even going to think about that or have that even in my thought process of why it is. It’s a lot of people that want to have the opportunity to be at this level, and I’m here, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity. Whenever that is, it is. But it doesn’t make me feel down or it doesn’t make me feel left out or anything, because I know who I am as a person, I know who I am as an individual and I know what I could bring to this team.
Sanders’ outlook reflects his focus on preparation and patience as the Browns finalize their quarterback depth chart.
Russell Wilson Works to Build Rapport with Giants Center John Michael Schmitz
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is now entering his 14th NFL season and his first as the New York Giants’ starter. Early camp footage reveals that Wilson is still working to develop chemistry with his new center, John Michael Schmitz. Reports from The Athletic describe several mishandled snaps during Friday’s practice, with the ball being snapped over Wilson’s head, too high for clean catches, and otherwise disrupting plays. Additionally, Wilson’s timing and quickness in the pocket appeared off compared to earlier practice sessions, with considerable backfield movement that led to hypothetical sack scenarios.
As Wilson adjusts to new teammates and offensive mechanics, these challenges emphasize the need for continued cohesion and timing improvements before the regular season kickoff.
What Williams’ Training Camp Struggles Mean for the Bears’ Future
Caleb Williams’ initial difficulties at Bears training camp underscore a broader transition period for both the player and the franchise. His season under new coach Ben Johnson will depend heavily on overcoming mental and physical barriers, shedding old tendencies, and developing clearer command over the offense. While flashes of talent and promise emerged, the ongoing hurdles—manifested in interceptions and missed completions—highlight the demanding process of adapting as a young quarterback in a new system.
These early assessments serve as a reminder that success in the NFL often requires gradual progression through challenges, particularly when changing schemes and teammates. If Williams can build confidence and refine decision-making throughout training camp and preseason, the Bears could witness a meaningful quarterback evolution this season. Meanwhile, teams like the Bengals, Vikings, and Browns continue to shape their rosters with varying degrees of optimism and uncertainty as the NFL’s 2025 campaign draws near.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Caleb Williams number 13?
A. He was one of six quarterbacks selected in the first round, equaling the record set by the 1983 NFL draft. Since Keenan Allen already used the number 13, Williams chose number 18, his high school number, in the NFL. This change was announced within thirty minutes after he was drafted.
Q. What happened between CJ Stroud and Caleb Williams?
A. In the video, Stroud clearly instructed Williams to “stop taking those hits” and to “learn from those mistakes.” He concluded the conversation by encouraging Williams. Stroud told him that he had everything he needed to be a good quarterback.