Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a rough outing on Sunday, getting sacked seven times by the Houston Texans during Sunday Night Football. Despite the constant pressure, the former USC Trojans star assured fans he did not sustain any major injuries, sharing an update on his condition after the game.
"I'm a little bruised up," Williams said following the 19-13 loss. "I took a couple of hits today. I'll be getting in the ice tubs and doing everything I need to make sure my body is ready for practice tomorrow and the next game."
Now 1-1 after their Week 2 defeat, the Bears struggled to protect Williams as Houston's defense applied relentless pressure, tallying 11 quarterback hits. The game served as a tough introduction to NFL life for the highly anticipated rookie.
“It’s always fun getting after any quarterback,” said Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who recorded 1.5 sacks. “This week, we just wanted to keep the pressure on him.”
Williams completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards but threw two interceptions. While it was a challenging performance, the Heisman Trophy winner has already shown flashes of potential through his first two NFL starts, giving hope to a Bears franchise that selected him first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Protecting Williams remains a top priority as Chicago looks to improve its offensive execution.
"That's an everybody thing," said Bears head coach Matt Eberflus about the team’s offensive struggles. "The O-line, tight ends, backs, the rhythm and timing on the passes, play design—everything needs work. It's on all of us, and we have to clean it up."
Williams, who shattered several records at USC, is aiming to bring that same offensive spark to Chicago. During his time with the Trojans, he set single-season records for total offense (4,919 yards), touchdowns (52), passing completions (333), and passing yards (4,537). USC retired his No. 13 jersey this season, placing it alongside the Trojans’ other Heisman winners at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
As Williams navigates the challenges of his rookie year, he and the Bears will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 22, at 12 p.m. PT. The game will feature a highly anticipated showdown between two promising young quarterbacks: Williams and Colts rookie Anthony Richardson.
