Will the Bears starters play against the Buffalo Bills? Get all the updates on Caleb Williams and the team’s plans.
un 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during minicamp at Halas Hall.
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Hallelujah. Caleb Williams and the rest of the Chicago Bears’ starting offensive unit will make their long-awaited 2025 debut. Ben Johnson made the announcement on Wednesday and offered additional context to the decision.
Johnson has stressed that this is part of a meticulous, process-driven plan. Though the previous game saw approximately nine starters from each side of the ball sit entirely, this time, Johnson said those who didn’t play “will be active this week,” including Williams.
One of the other items addressed was the decision not to play the starters in week 1 of the preseason against the Miami Dolphins. Johnson stated that in lieu of preseason action, Williams and other starters received “over 70-plus reps” in controlled settings during the opener week. The head coach framed this as a viable alternative to game reps, supporting continuity while managing risk.
This was an expected move, given that it was unlikely Johnson would risk any key members of the team during the final preseason game against Kansas City. This will be the starting unit’s only ‘live’ reps before Week 1’s Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The bottom line is that Ben Johnson’s preseason plan is a thoughtful evolution: starters are sheltered when needed but tested when ready. The Bills game offers a bridge from practice structure to competitive execution. For Bears fans, it’s the first meaningful glimpse of what this offense, and especially Williams, can do under pressure.
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