Quarterback Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears continue to back their struggling rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, but they’re also re-evaluating their depth at the quarterback position. In a move that reflects this, the Bears hosted a workout for former Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Chris Oladokun, according to the NFL’s transaction wire on September 24.
Oladokun, 27, impressed during his final collegiate season at South Dakota State, throwing for 3,164 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2021. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he didn’t make their active roster but soon joined the Chiefs’ practice squad. While he didn’t take the field in regular-season games, Oladokun was a member of the Chiefs’ roster during their back-to-back Super Bowl championship runs in 2022 and 2023.
The Bears, who currently have undrafted rookie Austin Reed as their No. 3 quarterback on the practice squad, could consider Oladokun as either a replacement or an additional backup option. Oladokun’s recent workout indicates that the team is seriously evaluating its quarterback depth, especially with Williams experiencing early struggles in his NFL career.
Caleb Williams Shows Improvement Despite Loss
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has faced a rough start to his professional career. Through three weeks, he’s completed under 60% of his passes (70 of 118) and has thrown more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (two). Despite these early struggles, Williams showed signs of improvement during the Bears’ Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Williams threw for 363 yards, setting a Bears rookie franchise record for passing yards in a game. He also tossed his first two career touchdowns and finished the game with some of his best play in the fourth quarter, although the Bears still lost 21-16. While his improvement may not quell the impatience of fans with high expectations, the Bears can find encouragement in Williams’ progress.
Offensive Struggles Run Deeper Than the QB
While Williams’ performance has been less than stellar, the Bears’ offensive problems extend well beyond the quarterback position. Chicago’s rushing attack has been woefully ineffective, averaging just 72.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks second-worst in the NFL. The lack of a viable ground game has put undue pressure on Williams and allowed defenses to focus on exploiting the Bears’ passing game.
The offensive line’s inability to consistently protect Williams or create running lanes has also contributed to the struggles. Williams has been sacked 13 times in three games, tying him for third-most in the league with Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield. The offensive line’s miscues have been compounded by poor play-calling from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and underwhelming performances from the running backs.
Lead running back D’Andre Swift, for instance, has struggled mightily, averaging less than two yards per carry for a second consecutive game. His 13 carries for 20 yards in Week 3 was emblematic of the Bears’ ongoing issues in the run game.
Bears’ Outlook: Time for Adjustments
As the Bears prepare for Week 4, it’s clear that Williams will need to continue improving, but the team also must address its other offensive deficiencies. The run game, play-calling, and pass protection all need significant improvement to give their young quarterback a chance to succeed.
Whether Oladokun earns a spot on the Bears’ practice squad or not, the team’s willingness to explore backup options suggests they are leaving no stone unturned as they seek solutions for an underperforming offense and a rookie quarterback still finding his footing in the NFL.
