DECEMBER 21, 2021 • CHICAGOBEARS.COM
DAMIEN WILLIAMS
43 YDS •
11 ATT •
0 TD
43 YDS
11 ATT
0 TD
Damien Williams avoids blocker, deflects Vikings punt Bears RB Damien Williams makes a great special teams play by deflecting a Vikings punt to give the offense the ball at the Minnesota 31.
Limited work in backup role Williams rushed twice for 13 yards while catching his only target for four yards in the Bears' 45-30 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
Impact In his return from a calf injury, Williams took over the backup role from Khalil Herbert, though it only resulted in three touches. With David Montgomery entrenched in a work-horse role, it's unlikely Williams earns a significant number of touches in the fantasy playoffs.
DECEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Making return in Week 14 Williams (calf) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Packers.
Impact A full practice Friday has earned Williams clearance to return to game action for the first time since Week 8. He'll compete with rookie Khalil Herbert for the limited touches left behind workhorse David Montgomery, who was also cleared Friday after battling shoulder, groin and glute injuries during the week.
DECEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Still limited at practice Williams (calf) was able to log another limited practice Thursday.
Impact The 29-year-old practiced for the second day in a row, raising his chances to play in Week 14 against the Packers. Williams has been inactive since Week 8; if he's able to go Sunday, he will likely operate as the team's third option at running back behind David Montgomery (shoulder) and Khalil Herbert.
DECEMBER 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Limited participant in practice Williams (calf) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.
Impact The limited showing amounts to progress for Williams, who hasn't played since Week 8 while dealing with different lower leg issues. If available for this Sunday's matchup against the Packers, Williams should likely operate as the team's third option at running back behind David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert.
DECEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Bears to go with Andy Dalton as QB starter against Cardinals
Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy sees quarterback Justin Fields' broken ribs improving but not enough to play against the Arizona Cardinals on SundayDECEMBER 3, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ruled out against Arizona Williams (calf) won't play in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Impact Williams hasn't seen the field since Week 8. Khalil Herbert will continue to back up David Montgomery against Arizona, with Ryan Nall on hand for additional depth. A Week 14 trip to Green Bay will provide Williams' next opportunity to make his return.
DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Still absent Thursday Williams (calf) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.
Impact Williams has been unable to play since Week 8 while dealing with the calf injury and appears unlikely to be active for the Bears' Week 13 contest versus the Cardinals. Khalil Herbert will continue to operate as the top backup option behind David Montgomery in the Chicago backfield.
DECEMBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Remains unable to practice Williams (calf) didn't practice Wednesday.
Impact On the bright side, Williams is now listed with only a calf injury after previously having a knee injury. He's looking to put an end to a three-game absence Sunday against Arizona, but Williams will likely need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to have a legitimate chance at playing.
DECEMBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Kevin Fishbain: Bears inactives: Justin Fields, Damien Williams... - The Athletic Bears inactives: Justin Fields, Damien Williams, Allen Robinson, Teez Tabor, Jesper Horsted, Akiem Hicks and Mario Edwards Jr. Eddie Jackson...
NOVEMBER 25, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Misery has company in the Motor City in Bears-Lions matchup
The winless Detroit Lions will kick off the NFL’s schedule of games on Thanksgiving as usual and their guests have plenty of problems of their own for a changeNOVEMBER 24, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Won't play Thursday Williams (calf) has been ruled out for the Bears' game against the Lions on Thursday.
Impact Williams has been unable to practice all week and will miss his third straight game. The loss of the seven-year pro has been cushioned by the return of David Montgomery (knee) from IR in Week 9, who stepped right back into a lead role, playing 84 and 95 percent of the snaps in his last two games. Behind Montgomery the Bears still have sixth-round rookie Khalil Herbert, who has had to play a significant role in the team's run game multiple times this season. Williams will thus target a potential return in Week 13 against the Cardinals.
NOVEMBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Still out for Tuesday's practice Williams (calf/knee) was out again for Tuesday's walkthrough.
Impact Williams was estimated as a nonparticipant at Tuesday's walkthrough, his second straight DNP to open the week. With the Bears playing the Lions on Thursday, it seems unlikely he will be able to play. David Montgomery will handle the lead back role while Khalil Herbert will likely operate as the primary backup in Week 12.
NOVEMBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Sits out Monday Williams (calf/knee) was a non-participant at Monday's walkthrough.
Impact Williams was inactive for Sunday's loss to the Ravens, his second consecutive absence, and he was unable to take the field one day later. The 29-year-old will need to make some progress in his recovery over the next couple days to have a chance of suiting up Thursday at Detroit.
NOVEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Won't suit up Sunday Williams (calf/knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
Impact After putting in a pair of full practices to close out Week 11 prep, Williams looked to have moved past his left knee injury, but a newer calf concern looks to be at the root of why the Bears downgraded him to doubtful Saturday. With Williams sidelined for the third time in the Bears' last five games, Khalil Herbert will operate as the clear No. 2 option out of the backfield behind starter David Montgomery.
NOVEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Adam Jahns: Bears inactives vs. Ravens: Eddie Jackson... - The Athletic Bears inactives vs. Ravens: Eddie Jackson Damien Williams Nick Foles Allen Robinson Artie Burns Jesper Horsted Akiem Hicks The big news: QB...
NOVEMBER 21, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Now doubtful for Sunday The Bears downgraded Williams to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Ravens due to a calf injury, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports.
Impact Williams injured his left knee Week 8 against the 49ers and missed the Bears' last game on Nov. 8 at Pittsburgh. Following Chicago's Week 10 bye, he returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant, but he upgraded to full Thursday and remained as such to cap Week 11 prep. With his downgrade Saturday, Williams appears as if he'll be among the Bears' inactives when the list is released about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. In the event that happens, Khalil Herbert and Ryan Nall will be the RB options behind starter David Montgomery.
NOVEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Back to full practice Williams (knee) practiced in full Thursday.
Impact After taking a seat in the Bears' last contest Week 9 at Pittsburgh as he tended to a knee injury, Williams came out of the team's bye week with practice limitations Wednesday. However, they vanished one day later, clearing him for game action Sunday versus the Ravens. With David Montgomery back in the fold against the Steelers and Khalil Herbert also on the case, Williams' eventual snap and touch counts remain up in the air.
NOVEMBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Gets back on practice field Williams (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice.
Impact Williams sat out Week 6 as he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and he also missed Chicago's last game Week 9 in Pittsburgh due to a knee injury. The latter continues to impact his reps, but considering he didn't practice at all before his last absence, he appears to be getting healthier. Williams has two more chances to bump up to full before the Bears likely hand him a designation for Sunday's contest versus the Ravens.
NOVEMBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Bears RB Montgomery back in the lineup against the Steelers
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery is back in the lineup for their game against PittsburghNOVEMBER 9, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Out against Pittsburgh Williams (knee) will not play Monday against the Steelers.
Impact Williams failed to practice all week, which will culminate in his second missed game over the last four weeks. Rookie Khalil Herbert had already surpassed Williams as the clear-cut starter over the past two weeks, but the possible return of David Montgomery (knee) from injured reserve could complicate the backfield situation somewhat. More information regarding Montgomery's situation, and by default Herbert's, should arrive sometime in the afternoon Sunday.
NOVEMBER 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Idle for second straight practice Williams (knee) didn't participate in Friday's practice.
Impact He'll have one more chance this week to get back on the field in some capacity, but if Williams remains a non-participant in Saturday's session, he'll likely be ruled out in advance of Monday's game against the Steelers. If Williams isn't available Week 9, Khalil Herbert would represent the clear top option among the running backs currently on the 53-man roster, though David Montgomery (knee) resumed practicing this week and could have a chance to return from a four-game stint on injured reserve as soon as Monday.
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Fields feeling more confident as other Bears return
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is feeling a higher sense of confidence because of his own recent play and also because he has some missing pieces back: his coach, Matt Nag...NOVEMBER 4, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
No practice Thursday Williams (knee) didn't practice Thursday.
Impact Williams hasn't been a huge beneficiary of David Montgomery's stint on injured reserve due to a sprained left knee, earning 21 carries for 66 yards and one touchdown and hauling in three of four targets for 23 yards in three appearances over the last four games. During the Bears' Week 8 loss to the 49ers, Williams exited early with a knee injury, and his lack of activity Thursday doesn't bode well for upcoming game action. If Montgomery, who was designated to return from IR on Thursday, is cleared to return Monday in Pittsburgh, a decision on Williams' availability may be made easier for coach Matt Nagy.
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
FANTASY PLAYS: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 9
Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa has earned a spot in an elite tierNOVEMBER 4, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
