Ben Johnson Reveals Plans For Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Starters vs. Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams did not participate in the team's first preseason game. Bears coach Ben Johnson revealed the plan for the Bears' second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Aug. 17. Will the former USC Trojans quarterback play against the Bills?

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and other starters did not participate in the team’s first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. There were questions raised about the former USC Trojans quarterback not playing, but Bears coach Ben Johnson revealed the plan for the second preseason game.

With Williams being held out against the Dolphins following up-and-down practices, there was a belief across social media that Johnson was shielding the second-year quarterback. The Chicago Bears will face the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17, and Johnson revealed that the starters will be playing.

What Ben Johnson Said About Starters

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images | Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, Johnson spoke to the media after practice and was asked if there is a plan for the game against the Bills, to which the coach answered candidly.

“Our starters are going to play. Everyone’s going to play,” Johnson said.

Johnson reiterated the reason he chose to rest starters, including Williams, was that he felt reps are the most important thing for the team. In the preseason, many teams only play their starters for one series or just a few.

“I’ve been pretty consistent with the thought of reps, reps, reps are the most important thing to get him up to speed. And by the plan we had a week ago, we were able to get him probably somewhere between 80 and 100 more reps than we would have been able to had he played in the game. This week, it’s a different schedule,” Johnson elaborated.

While Williams will be playing, Johnson did add that how much he plays is something that will be determined. The Bears will have a joint practice with the Bills leading up to the game, and the Bears' coach wants to see how that goes before deciding how often the former Trojans quarterback plays.

Patience Needed For Williams

Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Williams has had an up-and-down training camp, but the time before the regular season is when to make mistakes. The scrutiny came when a video was trending of Williams missing three-check down passes. The next day, Williams was making clean, accurate passes downfield.

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Williams is learning a new system ahead of his second season in the NFL after a tough rookie season. Williams was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC. There was a lot of excitement as he won the Heisman Trophy with the Trojans in 2022.

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (QB14) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In his first season with the Bears, Chicago's coach was Matt Eberflus, and the offensive coordinator was Shane Waldron. Both coaches were let go in November, with Waldron being fired just a couple of weeks before Eberflus. Changing play callers is tough on a rookie, and now heading into his second season, Williams is once again learning a new offense.

As a rookie, Williams did well avoiding turnovers, but had a low completion percentage and was sacked too many times. Williams finished the 2024 season with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns. He threw six interceptions with a completion percentage of 62.5. He also rushed the ball for 489 yards, but was sacked a league high of 68 times. He lost 466 yards from being sacked.

Hiring Johnson brought back the excitement surrounding Williams' potential. Johnson was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who had one of the best offenses in the league last season. 

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Lions ranked No. 1 in points per game (33), No. 2 in yards per game (409), and No. 3 in yards per play (6.8). Johnson is someone who can bring out the best in the former Trojans quarterback.

Remaining Preseason Schedule

The Chicago Bears have two preseason games remaining. Williams and the Bears will face the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. PT. After the game against the Bills, Chicago will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 22.

Williams and the Chicago Bears will kick off the 2025 regular season on Monday, Sept. 8, against the Minnesota Vikings.