Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears‘ top draft pick and promising young quarterback, will not take the field in the team‘s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Coach Ben Johnson has opted to rest Williams along with most of the Bears’ starters for this matchup, focusing instead on joint practices to prepare the squad for the regular season.
Johnson, who begins his first year as the Bears’ head coach, aims to keep his key players fresh by limiting their playing time in preseason games, especially given the physical demands of training camp and exhibition competitions.
Williams’ Rookie Campaign Highlights and Team Changes
Williams’ first year in the NFL showed flashes of strong potential. The former USC star led Chicago to a promising start with four victories in the first six games. However, a loss to the Washington Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, marked the turning point for the Bears, who won only one more game the rest of the season, ultimately missing the playoffs.
Despite the team’s struggles, Williams recorded notable statistics with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also contributing 489 rushing yards. His dual-threat ability has been a cornerstone for the Bears’ offense and a key factor in their future outlook.
To support Williams’ growth, the Bears hired offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose innovative work with the Detroit Lions earned him recognition during this offseason. Johnson has expressed enthusiasm about leading the offense and working closely with Williams throughout the 2024 campaign.
Upcoming Preseason Schedule and Regular Season Outlook
The Bears will play three preseason games before the 2024 regular season begins. After facing the Dolphins, they will host the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. This gradual buildup allows Johnson to monitor player performance and tweak strategies as needed.
Chicago’s regular season opens against the Minnesota Vikings, marking a crucial test for Williams and the newly coordinated offense. The team hopes to move past the previous year’s challenges and contend for a playoff spot in a tough <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC division.