Will Caleb Williams start preseason opener against Texans? Bears HC delivers update for 2024 Hall of Fame Game
It looks like Chicago Bears and number one overall pick Caleb Williams' debut will be delayed. Head coach Matt Erberflus told reporters that Williams, as well as the rest of the team's starters, will not play in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans on Thursday.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport broke the news on X early Tuesday afternoon and also revealed that backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start for the Bears.
Rapoport posted:
"The #Bears starters (including Caleb Williams) won’t play in the Hall of Fame game, coach Matt Eberflus told reporters. Tyson Bagent, who has been grinding his absolute face off, will start at QB."
It appears Eberflus isn't taking any chances of his starters getting hurt in the additional preseason game the NFL gave Chicago. Caleb Williams' NFL preseason debut could come a week later, when the Bears face the Buffalo Bills on the road on August 10.
The Bears' 2024 Hall-of-Fame member is KR/PR/WR Devin Hester, while the Texans' is WR Andre Johnson. Completing this year's class are Dwight Freeney, Steve McMichael, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, and Randy Gradishar.
What time is the 2024 Hall of Fame Game?
The Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans will face off on Thursday, August 1, at 8:00 p.m. ET in this year's Hall of Fame Game.
The following day, the Hall of Fame Fashion Show and the Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner will take place. On August 3, the 2024 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined with the Canton Repository Grand Parade taking place.
Thursday night's game will be played at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
How to watch the 2024 Hall of Fame Game
The Hall of Fame Game will be available for fans to watch on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game with Lisa Salters serving as the sideline reporter.
Fans can also listen on ESPN 1000 (AM 1000, 100.3 FM HD2), LATINO MIX 93.5 FM (Spanish.)
The Texans will return to action a week later against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Do you think Caleb Williams will start in the Bears' second preseason game?