2024 No. 1 NFL draft pick and former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams is ready to suit up for the first time as a member of the Chicago Bears. Thursday’s preseason-opening Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, gives him a chance to get his feet wet in a live NFL competition. However, the Bears still haven’t made their final call on whether Caleb will play.
Williams’ status for Chicago’s contest against the Houston Texans remains to be determined, but he told reporters on Monday he’d play if the decision was solely up to him. The main motivation isn’t difficult to find, either: He knows he needs live reps.
“I always think there’s more pros than cons, if anything, especially for a young guy like myself,” Williams said. “Reps are always paramount for a young guy like myself.”
Chicago’s rookie quarterback made it clear that he wants to play on Thursday, but he also understands the decision isn’t up to him.
“I would love to get out there and play,” he said. “It’s pretty awesome to get out there at Canton.”
As of Monday, Williams was not told whether he would suit up or not. Coach Matt Eberflus said that the announcement about whether Williams and starters will play would be made Tuesday.
For more from the Caleb Williams press conference, you can watch here: