Caleb Williams’ Bears return hinges on hamstring test

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said Thursday that he has a serious hamstring tear, but he has not been cleared to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Williams said he must pass a stress test and complete the remaining medical protocols before the team decides whether he can return. Williams took part in a full practice Thursday, a significant step after missing three games since he was injured against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. But he said practice alone does not settle his status. He still needs to see how his body responds to a full week of preparation and meet the medical requirements for game action. The Bears had not announced a clearance decision. Williams described the injury as a “pretty serious” tear and declined to disclose its grade. He said earlier reports about the diagnosis had been inaccurate, and that he did not believe the grade deserved to be made public after those reports. The specific grade has not been disclosed. The quarterback said the hamstring had not fully healed, while adding that he could run, cut and plant without problems. He said return-to-play parameters can reduce the risk of reinjury, but the demands of a game differ...