Detroit, MI – During Thursday night’s game in Detroit, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams took a hit along the sideline that initially seemed to cause a significant knee injury. Despite the scare, Williams was able to return to the game without missing a snap after being evaluated in the medical tent.
When asked about the play that led to his injury, Williams expressed his frustration, calling it a “funky” play. Although he confirmed that his knee was fine and only had a bruise, Williams did not appreciate the hit from Lions linebacker Jack Campbell.
The play in question was legal, as when a quarterback transitions into a runner, hits at or below the knee are permitted. In this case, Williams attempted a move similar to Lamar Jackson’s style, but Campbell was able to make the tackle effectively.
Once a quarterback leaves the pocket and crosses the line of scrimmage, he loses certain protections usually granted to him. Therefore, Williams should have either gotten out of bounds or avoided trying to make a move on the sideline that put him at risk of a low hit.
Ultimately, the responsibility for the outcome of the play falls on Williams for attempting a maneuver that left him vulnerable to a legal hit from Campbell. It serves as a reminder of the risks quarterbacks take when transitioning from a passer to a runner during a play.