With the Week 5 loss firmly behind them, the Chicago Bears now head to face the Atlanta Falcons on the road.
On both sides, there are some major question marks, and particularly at the quarterback position. For the Bears, we're all wondering if this is going to be Caleb Williams' triumphant return to the field.
For Atlanta, it's another MIchael Penix Jr. injury situation.
Let's get into it. Here's what you need to know.
- Bears Injury Report
- Falcons Injury Report
- How to watch Bears vs. Falcons in Week 6
- Top storylines for Bears vs. Falcons
- Predictions for Bears vs. Falcons
Bears Injury Report
These will be updated when the team releases an official injury report after practice.
Falcons Injury Report
These will be updated when the team releases an official injury report after practice.
How to watch Bears vs. Falcons in Week 6
Date: Sunday October 18, 2026
Time: 12:00pm CT
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
TV: FOX
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews (sideline) and Tom Rinaldi (sideline)
Top storylines for Bears vs. Falcons
Bears' injuries have officially become a problem in Week 6
In addition to the injuries Chicago was dealing with prior to the game against Green Bay, the Bears saw the following players injured in some fashion during the contest:
LB T.J. Edwards
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
CB Tyrique Stevenson
DB Cam Lewis
WR Kalif Raymond
Edwards and Stevenson both exited the game due to suffering hamstring injuries while Odeyingbo left with a quad injury.
The injuries to both Lewis and Raymond didn't seem serious, but we'll hear more this week as new information comes out.
Falcons' QB situation is worth monitoring with Michael Penix Jr. banged up
In the Falcons' Week 5 tilt against the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a rib injury. Now, the day after, reports surfaced that the Falcons didn't think it was anything all that serious.
But, that still means the Bears could wind up seeing Tua Tagovailoa in his place, and that would be the perfect opportunity for a bounce-back game for this defense.
Does Caleb Williams return?
The biggest question, this week, is whether or not Caleb Williams makes his return from the hamstring injury suffered in Week 2. Many signs point to Williams making the start against Atlanta, including Vegas oddsmakers having an idea early on in the week.
The Bears have gone 2-1 without Williams, but the offense has not looked like itself for much of the time. If he can return against Atlanta, fans will, once again, be able to see the offense we waited all offseason to see.
Bears defense is in for a tall task with Bijan Robinson
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is second in the NFL with 732 scrimmage yards, this year, so far. He's got five touchdowns as well.
In short, Robinson looks unstoppable, and that could be a problem for the Bears' defense, especially if they're short-handed due to injuries. He's great on the ground and just as good in the passing game. Dennis Allen is in for a tough problem to solve this week.
Which running back steps up alongside D'Andre Swift?
If Kyle Monangai is out again, there's no way the Bears can roll Roschon Johnson out there again after how poorly he played against Green Bay. Will it be Salvon Ahmed or Zavier Scott?
Ahmed looked quick and like a nice change of pace type of back during his preseason action, and he's earned the right to come in and play meaningful snaps over the likes of Johnson. Will Ben Johnson make the switch?
Predictions for Bears vs. Falcons
Passing Leader: Caleb Williams
Rushing Leader: Bijan Robinson
Receiving Leader: Colston Loveland
Who wins turnover battle: Bears
Final Score: Bears 31 Falcons 17
This is going out on a bit of a limb, here, but I think Caleb Williams returns this week. And, because of that, Ben Johnson takes a no-nonsense approach. That will mean getting the ball to his playmakers and, specifically, a player who people continue talking about through a negative lens.
Colston Loveland is going to have his breakout game of 2026 and he'll go over 100 yards receiving in this one.
Meanwhile, the Falcons' offense will be essentially Bijan Robinson or bust. If it's Michael Penix Jr., he won't be 100 percent. If it's Tua Tagovailoa, then the Bears are going to come up with multiple chances to take the ball away.
Read more: Caleb Williams might've given away his Week 6 status in the best way possible
Chicago has its get-right game after a rough Week 5 loss.
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