Ben Johnson keeps Bears’ Caleb Williams preseason plan close to vest

When the Chicago Bears open their preseason against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Ben Johnson is planning on benching numerous starters. That includes quarterback Caleb Williams.

He has not ruled out the QB playing at some point in the preseason. But Johnson has spent plenty of time evaluating Williams as is and doesn’t necessarily think him playing in the preseason is mandatory, via the head coach’s Thursday press conference.

“Do I need to see Caleb Williams in the preseason? No I don’t. I see him every single day in practice and I know what we’re going to get come the season. And yet, there is a workload and number of reps that we want to hit as a team. We’ll make sure we even that out whether it’s game reps or not.”

After the Browns, the Bears will take on the Cincinnati Bengals followed by the Tennessee Titans. Before each time, Johnson and company will take not of the work the team got in during practice. If they feel the offense still has some kinks to work, it becomes more likely Williams gets preseason reps.

But at least for Week 1, it’ll be the Tyson Bagent show. Williams’ 2026 debut has been delayed.

Pros vs. Cons of Williams playing in preseason

For all the strides Williams made in 2025, he is still entering just his third year in the NFL. The 2026 season will be a crucial campaign as he tries to live up to his No. 1 pick billing. Especially as he enters another year working under offensive mastermind Johnson.

Playing in the preseason would let him get further in rhythm with his pass catchers. Johnson is planning to unleash a dynamic and explosive offense. That takes time and communication.

But at the same time, the Bears have been decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball. Safety Coby Bryant may miss the entire season after undergoing knee surgery. For as much as Chicago believes in Bagent, this offense is built around Williams being under center.

Whether or not Williams plays in the preseason is still inconclusive. But even if he didn’t, Johnson is already supremely confident in the Bears franchise quarterback.

The post Ben Johnson keeps Bears’ Caleb Williams preseason plan close to vest appeared first on ChiCitySports.