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Caleb Williams’ hamstring status clouds Bears, NFC North roundup
Caleb Williams is back to full practices but has not been cleared to play, while the Packers remain in limbo with running back Josh Jacobs.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
In the NFC North, Thursday’s news cycle revolved around two storylines: the recovery of Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the uncertain status of Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs. The Detroit Lions moved to shore up their return game, while the Minnesota Vikings stayed quiet atop the division at 5-0.
Chicago Bears: Williams back at practice, return still unclear
Pro Football Rumors reports that Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring tear but has cleared important rehab checkpoints. The Bears quarterback took part in a walk-through on Wednesday and was a full participant in practice on Thursday. He then spoke with Chicago reporters, addressing the stretch he missed because of the injury.
According to CBS Sports, Williams has now practiced fully on consecutive days but has not yet been cleared for game action. He also responded to critics, saying his character has been attacked in the wake of his absence. CBS Sports notes that the Bears are essentially in a holding pattern as they await their young quarterback’s return, a key factor in their overall Super Bowl outlook.
Detroit Lions: DeAndre Carter to bolster return game
The Detroit Lions are turning to the free-agent market for help on special teams. Per Pro Football Rumors, the team plans to sign wide receiver and returner DeAndre Carter. Detroit lost Tom Kennedy in Week 5; he is expected to undergo MCL surgery and spend the rest of the 2026 season in recovery. The Lions worked out Carter and Steven Sims before moving ahead with Carter as Kennedy’s replacement in the return role.
In other league news with NFC North ties, Pro Football Rumors relays that the New England Patriots announced the death of former Pro Bowl center Jon Morris at age 84, a longtime cornerstone for the franchise.
Green Bay Packers: ongoing uncertainty around Josh Jacobs
In Green Bay, the picture remains murky at running back. Pro Football Rumors reports that Josh Jacobs has filed for a permanent injunction over access to certain evidence from his criminal case, a step which has helped stall the NFL’s investigation into a potential personal conduct policy violation.
CBS Sports adds that Jacobs has filed a lawsuit against a Wisconsin police department to block the release of video footage the NFL is seeking as part of its review. The running back remains on the commissioner’s exempt list with no timetable for a return. CBS Sports also revisits the Micah Parsons trade between the Dallas Cowboys and Packers and, in a separate Week 6 predictions piece, floats the possibility of a Packers running back having a breakout game.
Minnesota Vikings: quiet leaders in the North
There were no major new developments reported around the Minnesota Vikings over the past 24 hours. At 5-0, they remain in firm control of the NFC North, while the Bears, Lions, and Packers all sit at 3-2 and monitor the health and availability of key contributors.