Nick Sirianni's 2-0 squad will likely face the Bears in Chicago without its most explosive player. On Sunday, Caleb Williams avoided a major injury, but the Chicago Bears could be without their starting quarterback when the Philadelphia Eagles visit Soldier Field on Monday night.
Bears coach Ben Johnson told ESPN 1000 that Williams is considered week-to-week after suffering a hamstring pull during Chicago’s 9-3 loss to Minnesota. Johnson said Williams will “likely miss some time,” making Tyson Bagent the probable starter if Williams cannot play. Williams underwent an MRI on Monday. The Bears have not officially ruled him out against Philadelphia, but the short-term designation casts serious doubt on his availability. Tom Pelissero, who covers
the NFL for The Ringer and Netflix Sports, reported that testing confirmed Williams avoided a major injury and that Chicago was not immediately eliminating the possibility of him playing.
Philadelphia’s defensive plan should not become reckless if Tyson Bagent replaces Caleb Williams on Monday night.
The Eagles should make Chicago’s athletic backup quarterback prove he can patiently sustain drives while protecting the football. Bagent has completed 66.4% of his career passes, but he entered 2026 with three touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 73.0 passer rating. He owns a 2-2 record as an NFL starter.
That experience means Philadelphia cannot treat him like an overwhelmed rookie. It can, however, force him to operate outside the areas in which a backup quarterback is most comfortable. The first objective should be stopping Chicago’s running game with light boxes whenever possible. If the Eagles can control early downs without committing an extra defender, Fangio can preserve his coverage disguises and place Bagent in obvious passing situations.
Philadelphia should crowd the line of scrimmage, then rotate into different coverages. Simulated pressures and delayed blitzes can force Bagent to identify the actual rush after the snap rather than giving him clear answers before it.
The Eagles also must tackle immediately, efficiently, and at the point of attack. Chicago is likely to support Bagent with screens, quick throws, play-action passes, and designed completions to D'Andre Swift, intended to keep the offense on schedule. Allowing short passes to become explosive gains would neutralize Philadelphia’s quarterback advantage.
Maintaining disciplined rush lanes remains important. Bagent is not the same open-field threat as Williams, but he has enough mobility to escape pressure when defenders lose containment. Most importantly, the Eagles cannot let Williams’ expected absence create complacency. Bagent nearly guided Chicago to a late comeback against Minnesota and has won NFL games before.
Philadelphia should respect his experience while forcing him to complete difficult throws all night. If the Eagles stop the run, disguise their intentions, and prevent YAC, Chicago could struggle to replace everything Williams provides.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five ways Eagles can attack the Bears offense without Caleb Williams
