Caleb Williams came into the NFL with high expectations, but his rookie season did not go according to plan. The Chicago Bears finished the season with a disappointing record of 5-12 and now have to find a new head coach for their young quarterback, as they parted ways with Matt Eberflus during the season.
Williams was sacked 68 times in his rookie season, yet he played all 17 games. However, the Bears star was recently spotted with a cast on his hand while appearing at the college basketball game between USC and Wisconsin.
Fans React to Caleb Williams Wearing a Cast
Bears fans on social media were concerned about Williams’ health as the cast appeared to be on his throwing hand. Seeing him injured after the disastrous season would be catastrophic for the franchise, and the fans were rightly worried.
Here are some of the reactions:
What the hell happened to his wrist? https://t.co/s5xCSZ5QeF
— Lord Zito (@VivalaZito) January 18, 2025
“Got sacked 70+ times. Got to keep our boy safe,” said a fan.
“I think it’s just for fashion… we’re good,” speculated another fan, though it was no fashion statement from Williams.
WHATS WITH THAT CAST https://t.co/J2OQbkTc8r
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) January 18, 2025
“Dude was sacked and hit a million times last year, so honestly, this cast is no surprise,” wrote a fan.
Another fan said, “Looks like a short arm cast for a radius fracture but not super severe; otherwise, it would be past his elbow” — an astute observation, as it was no break or fracture for Williams.
that cast on his throwing hand… https://t.co/KWhMMVgUJe pic.twitter.com/ltvpHakDju
— 2022 Heisman Winner (@vj_v_) January 18, 2025
Fortunately for the Bears, Williams’ injury is not considered serious. “Bears QB Caleb Williams had a cyst removed, which is why he’s wearing the cast on his hand. It’s minor, he’s fine,” explained NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport about the situation.
The 23-year-old quarterback will be fully ready for the next season, and players around the league undergo these procedures in the offseason regularly. Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He completed 62.5% of his throws with a passer rating of 87.8, averaging 208.3 passing yards per game. He had a QB+ rating of 63.2 (D, 33rd-best in the NFL).
His stats are pretty good for a rookie quarterback. Still, since Williams was seen as a generational prospect coming into the league, he is held to a different standard from other players. Hopefully, for the sake of the sport, the Bears’ franchise will now do its best to help his development.
Bears Are Likely To Hire an Offensive-Minded HC for Williams
In Eberflus, the Bears had a defensive-minded head coach who seemingly couldn’t connect with Williams on a level an offensive-minded head coach would have. As a result, the Bears are expected to hire a head coach who will be ideal for their quarterback.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson are the two front runners for the Bears’ head coaching role. Both will be a good fit for the team’s quarterback, and fans should be excited about the future.
McCarthy’s experience with Dak Prescott and Aaron Rodgers will be helpful to Williams, as the USC product has the potential to become a top quarterback in the league. Johnson has also done a remarkable job as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, which is why he is among the most coveted candidates in the ongoing coaching cycle.
The Bears’ general manager, Ryan Poles, knows he can’t waste another year of Williams’ career. If he puts the right players and coaching staff around the quarterback, Chicago can be a dangerous team in the NFC. Hopefully, he will be able to hire the right head coach, as it would be good for the league to see Williams taking the next step.