The Chicago Bears’ season has started rough, with more challenges waiting around the corner. Caleb Williams, the prized No. 1 pick from the 2024 draft, entered the NFL touted as a generational talent. But with him at the center, the Bears limped to an 0-2 start with glaring defensive gaps and offensive woes. Now, as they prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field, the injury report adds to that nightmare checklist. The question is no longer whether Williams can lead the Bears to a win, but whether he even gets the chance with so many key players sidelined.

The Bears are limping into Week 3, already missing five players, including three key defensive starters. After opening 0-2 with losses to the Vikings and Lions, the injury report won’t inspire confidence. OT Kiran Amegadjie, LB TJ Edwards, CB Kyler Gordon, CB Jaylon Johnson, and CB Jaylon Jones are all out for Sunday’s game. That means the defense will be short-handed once again. And Williams will have to lead an injury-depleted Bears if he wants to avoid a 0-3 start.

Adding to the trouble, D’Marco Jackson and D’Andre Swift are on the questionable list. The two players are nursing a hamstring and a quad issue, respectively. Swift’s status is particularly concerning, as the Bears need every playmaker they can get. It’s going to be almost impossible to contain CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens with that roster.

It’s not just the injuries pressuring Caleb Williams; the narrative around him is already mired in frustration. After a stellar college run crowned by a Heisman Trophy, Williams was hyped as the answer to Chicago’s quarterback woes. Instead, he trails behind fellow quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy in rookie year production and development. Williams’ rookie year ended with a miserable 5-12 record, and the Bears’ coaching carousel hasn’t helped his growth.

His biggest issues: holding onto the ball too long and taking a staggering 68 sacks in 2024, the highest in the league. With defenses now able to exploit a decimated Bears lineup, ‘Superman’ faces a steep uphill climb. The offensive line cannot protect him, and the defense cannot cover receivers. It almost feels like the Bears set Caleb Williams up for a rough ride, and that ride has only gotten bumpier. But before the teams face each other, here are a few things you should know.

Things to know before the Bears welcome the Cowboys

The Bears’ 0-2 record brings a desperate sense of urgency as they welcome former head coach Matt Eberflus and the Dallas Cowboys to Soldier Field. Eberflus was fired mid-season last year. But now returns for the first time since his stunning dismissal after a 14-32 run over three seasons. His tenure was marked by blown leads and poor late-game management. If the Bears want to snap their skid, beating the Boys would be a nice way to erase some negativity.

Ben Johnson, Chicago’s head coach, still seeks his first win. His two losses have been brutal. A late collapse against the Vikings and a 52-21 blowout at the hands of the Lions. This start isn’t rare in NFL coaching careers, but patience might be wearing thin. Historically, coaches like Mike Ditka and Bill Belichick had rough beginnings. Johnson needs this win badly.

Offensively, the Bears have shown glimpses of life. For the first time since 2022, they scored a touchdown on their opening possession in back-to-back games. Only the Buffalo Bills in the league this year have done the same. The offense’s slow fade after a hot start is a worrying trend, and it’s a puzzle Johnson must solve before Dallas racks up points on the porous Bears defense.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, still feel the loss of All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, traded to the Packers. Dallas has struggled to build pressure, allowing quarterbacks far too much time to throw. To fix that, the Cowboys signed Jadeveon Clowney, who is expected to debut Sunday. It’s a potential game-changer for Dallas’ pass rush.

Finally, Bears fans should brace for a tough time containing CeeDee Lamb. The WR is on a tear, posting 100-plus yards in every game since last season’s end. The Bears’ depleted secondary faces a serious challenge stopping him, and if Lamb goes for another 100-yard game, he’ll tie a franchise streak last achieved by Michael Irvin in 1995.

On the bright side, the Bears hold a 7-6 advantage against Dallas at Soldier Field. They last hosted the Cowboys in 2019, a 31-24 Chicago win. To win Sunday, they’ll need to put points on the board and hold tight on defense, a tough ask for Caleb Williams with this injury report looming large.