Stephen A. Smith doesn’t hold back on Chicago Bears’ chances without Caleb Williams

If you asked a Chicago Bears fan how they felt about this team just 24 hours ago, you’d get an overjoyed response. And that would be expected. Especially after their impressive Week 1 win on the road against the Carolina Panthers.

However, if you ask this morning, you’d receive a very different response.

Not only did the Minnesota Vikings beat the Bears 9-3 yesterday, but QB Caleb Williams was carted off in the fourth quarter with an apparent hamstring injury. Williams has yet to miss a game in his short NFL career, a streak that will likely be ended regardless of the news we get back on his status.

Without Williams, this team is in trouble. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith thinks so as well, as he projected his opinion on the matter during First Take this morning.

“If Caleb Williams ain’t in the lineup, don’t expect much from the Chicago Bears this year.”

—@stephenasmith on the Bears without their QB pic.twitter.com/5bDlFoAwVB

— First Take (@FirstTake) September 21, 2026

Williams has certainly taken steps as a leader and overall player in his third year, and the Bears will absolutely need that going forward. His play yesterday wasn’t perfect, but with all things considered, he’s been great to start the season.

It’s the case with almost every NFL team (losing a starting quarterback), but with Williams becoming so dynamic, it’s heightened in the Bears’ scenario.

When Smith was asked if the Bears can sustain success without Williams, he didn’t mince words.

“Hell no, hell no, let’s get that out of the way right now. If Caleb Williams is not in the lineup this year, do not expect much from the Chicago Bears this year.” Smith continued, “Let’s not play any games; Caleb Williams is that dude. He is that special. We know some of the parts they have: Swift, Monangai, Burden, Odunze. You’ve got a whole bunch of weapons, but it starts with Williams. If you don’t have him, the Chicago Bears season is over.”

Caleb Williams will likely miss some time, but the key is how long, and whether the Chicago Bears will make a move for a replacement

Tyson Bagent is set to take over the QB position if Williams does miss any time.

Bagent signed a two-year, 10-million-dollar contract extension with the Chicago Bears in 2025, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season. Some predicted that he could be moved to a QB-needy team, and if that is to happen, his showcase could be coming up soon.

Say Williams misses more time than anticipated, and Bagent isn’t winning games. Could GM Ryan Poles make a move for another QB?

As the season goes on, more and more teams will be looking to sell players for draft capital. It’s uncommon for quarterbacks to be moved mid-season, but in this instance it very well could happen.

Keep an eye on guys like Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa or Bengals QB Joe Flacco. Once Williams’ injury is fully revealed, it’ll be easier to speculate on these things. Bagent hasn’t proven enough in his young career to be given a long leash, even with his contract.

Here’s to hoping Williams’ injury isn’t as bad as it looked.

More: The Chicago Bears could be looking for a special teams replacement after a rough game from rookie

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