Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will take his first competitive snap as a Chicago Bear on Saturday when the team travels to Buffalo to face the Bills in their preseason opener. Williams, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, will start alongside the rest of the Bears' first-stringers, coach Matt Eberflus announced.
Caleb Williams is set to make his highly anticipated NFL debut as the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback this Saturday in their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills. The rookie passer, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, will take his first competitive snap alongside the rest of the Bears' first-string unit.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus confirmed Williams' starting role, emphasizing the importance of establishing a rhythm and flow within the offense. Williams' counterpart, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, will also see action on Saturday, playing approximately one quarter along with the rest of Buffalo's starters, according to coach Sean McDermott.
Williams and Allen are among a handful of NFL starting quarterbacks who will play in Week 1 of the preseason. While some teams opt to rest their first-stringers throughout the exhibition slate, several others, including the Bears and Bills, will utilize this opportunity to evaluate their starters in game action.
Williams sat out the Bears' preseason kickoff Hall of Fame game last week in Canton, Ohio, but is expected to receive significant playing time on Saturday. The young quarterback has impressed coaches and teammates alike during training camp, showcasing his exceptional arm talent, mobility, and leadership skills.
In addition to Williams and Allen, other projected NFL starting quarterbacks slated to play in Week 1 of the preseason include Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers, C.J. Stroud of the New Orleans Saints, and Jayden Daniels of the Arizona Cardinals.
The preseason provides an invaluable opportunity for young players to gain experience and for coaches to evaluate their rosters before the regular season kicks off. For Williams, this weekend's game represents a crucial step in his development as he aims to establish himself as a franchise quarterback for the Bears.
The Bears enter the preseason with high hopes after a disappointing 2022 campaign. The team has undergone significant roster changes under new general manager Ryan Poles and coach Eberflus, and Williams is expected to be a central figure in their rebuilding efforts.
Alongside Williams, the Bears' offense will feature a number of new faces, including wide receiver Chase Claypool, tight end Cole Kmet, and running back David Montgomery. The defense will be anchored by Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Eddie Jackson.
The Bills, meanwhile, are among the favorites to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LVIII. Quarterback Josh Allen is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, and the team boasts a talented roster that includes wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Devin Singletary, and defensive end Von Miller.
Saturday's preseason matchup between the Bears and Bills will provide an intriguing early glimpse of two teams with contrasting aspirations. For Williams, the game will be a chance to showcase his potential and take another step towards establishing himself as one of the NFL's brightest young stars.
