The expectation for Caleb Willians' playing time during 2024 NFL Preseason

The Chicago Bears are in a unique spot when it comes to the number one overall pick Caleb Williams. Williams was already named the starting quarterback as a rookie before stepping foot on an NFL field, but if you look at the depth chart, you will understand why. 

Will Chicago Bears risk an injury to Caleb Williams in the preseason?

Any chance the Bears have this season hinges on Williams stepping into a well-built team as a rookie and playing well. So, the Bears have to walk the tightrope of getting a rookie who needs repetitions and experience what he needs while also preserving his health during mostly meaningless football games. 

Many veterans will sit large portions of the preseason, especially quarterbacks due to their value to the end goal. Williams now sits in that tier, but the Bears cannot simply throw him out there for week one with no work. How much time does he get?

The Bears are fortunate to have the Hall of Fame game this year, which gives them a fourth game on the schedule. This is how the preseason use to run, so you could look to the past to see how the Bears will handle it. 

The first game is usually a chance to get the starters a drive or two to get the rust off. In week two, the team may go into the second quarter, looking to run multiple series of offense. Then, week three is a dress rehearsal. The team treats this week like a regular game day. The starters typically play until halftime. Lastly, week four is about the end of the roster players pushing for a roster spot, a practice squad spot, or a spot on another team. 

Most teams do not follow this order anymore with three games, and this has caused far fewer situations for starters-against-starters in the preseason. Still, with the Bears having this particular schedule, it would make sense to follow it. We may not see Williams against many starters in the preseason, but the team needs to get Williams out there for himself, and the comfortability of the offense. 

Look for him to play sparingly in week one, with another drive added on week two, and then his third preseason game should get him work until halftime.