Caleb Williams logs second straight full practice, on track to start Sunday vs. Falcons

Caleb Williams is trending toward being under center Sunday when the Bears host the Falcons. The second-year quarterback was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice for the second straight day, confirming he has cleared a key hurdle in his return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for Chicago's last two games.

The Bears opened the week with Williams as a full participant in Wednesday's estimated injury report — a session the team did not actually hold — but Thursday's on-field work provided a more concrete gauge. Williams took part in the full practice without restrictions, and multiple reporters confirmed the designation after observing the session.

Williams addressed the emotional fallout from his Week 3 injury, during which he was carted off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The QB acknowledged the visible frustration in the moment but pushed back on the narrative surrounding it. He also declined to disclose the grade of his hamstring tear, saying that level of detail "doesn't deserve to be put out publicly after all of the false reporting about his injury."

"It's felt good but it's different when you have to go through a whole week of practice and you've got to prepare for a game and all that, the stress on the mind, body and spirit," Williams told reporters, via Mike Garafolo.

Chicago (3-2) faces a Falcons team (0-5) that has yet to win this season but will be getting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. back from a rib injury. The Bears' offense has struggled in Williams' absence, managing just 13 points in two losses to the Lions and Colts. His return would provide a significant boost against an Atlanta defense that ranks 22nd in the league in passing yards allowed.