Why Most Bears Starters, Including Caleb Williams, Will Sit Out Against the Dolphins This Sunday

Caleb Williams won’t be making his preseason debut this weekend. Ben Johnson, the head coach, announced that Williams and about 17 other starters will sit out the exhibition game against the Dolphins on Sunday. Instead, the team is focusing on a joint practice with Miami on Friday, which will help them prepare in place of game experience.

Johnson mentioned, “We’ll see how the day goes. Maybe that number will change.” He hinted that the starters might see some playing time in August, but specifics are still up in the air.

On Friday, Williams and the team’s wide receivers will get in a solid workout before Sunday’s game. They can also practice the days surrounding the game. Johnson emphasized, “The guys that aren’t playing will actually get more reps than those who are.” This plan aims to keep the team sharp and ready.

In the meantime, Tyson Bagent will start against Miami and play for the first half.

This decision reflects a growing trend in the NFL where teams are prioritizing player safety and preparation over traditional preseason games. Coaches are moving towards strategies that maximize practice time and reduce injury risks, especially for key players. A recent survey revealed that 68% of NFL coaches support limiting snaps for starters during preseason games.

By focusing on joint practices and structured workouts, teams like Chicago are setting a new standard. It’s all about finding the right balance between readiness and safety as the season approaches.



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