Caleb Williams, starters won’t play for Chicago Bears in Hall of Fame game vs. Texans

If you flip on the Bears-Texans preseason game, Thursday, don’t expect to see Caleb Williams, the No. 1 player in the NFL Draft, on the field.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus announced Tuesday that he won’t use the team’s starters in the game, which kicks off the NFL preseason schedule. So although we’d love to see Williams vying against CJ Stroud of the Texans, it’s not going to happen in early August.

No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams will not make his preseason debut Thursday night in Canton, Ohio vs. the Texans. Bears do not plan to play their starters Thursday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 30, 2024

Bears go with fan-favorite Tyson Bagent

So who will start for the Bears? Tyson Bagent will go to QB1, ahead of Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Austin Reed.

Bagent was an undrafted rookie in 2023. He not only made the 53-man roster, he filled in nicely when called upon by the coaches. He ended up starting four games, going 2-2, after Justin Fields was injured. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers once they decided to select Williams, the former Heisman winner from USC.

Meanwhile, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans hasn’t said, as yet, whether he’ll play Stroud, last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Stroud was the No. 2 player selected in last year’s draft. He helped turn the Texans around, going from the second-worst record in the NFL in 2022, to the AFC South Division champions in 2023.

Ryans said he views the game against the Bears as a chance for the less experienced players to see action.

“Any time we line up, it’s real,” Ryans told reporters. “For the guys who are out there, it’s important,” Ryans said. “That’s the first thing that we have to understand that all these guys are vying for a spot on this team. They’re vying for a spot – a chance to play in the NFL and make it, so we don’t take it lightly.”

Both teams have inductees into Pro Football Hall of Fame

The game between the Bears and Texans kicks off the festivities for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

The Bears have three inductees. They are return specialist Devin Hester, edge rusher Julius Peppers and defensive tackle Steve McMichael. Peppers played most of his career for the Panthers, but he spent three years in Chicago.

The Texans are represented by receiver Andre Johnson, who is the first player from the franchise to earn enshrinement.