Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked seven times by the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. The good news is that former USC Trojans star Williams suffered no serious injuries and updated his status after the game.

“I’m a little bruised,” Williams said after the loss, via the official transcript. “I took a few hits today. I’m going to get in some ice tubs and do whatever I have to do to make sure my body is ready for tomorrow and the rest of the days of training and obviously the next game.”

The Bears are 1-1 after a 19-13 loss to the Texans in Week 2 of NFL action. Houston generated 11 quarterback hits on Williams in an official “Welcome to the League” game.

“It’s always fun to get after a quarterback,” said Houston defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who had 1.5 sacks on Williams. “This week we just wanted to keep the pressure on him.”

Williams completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards and two interceptions. With two NFL starts under his belt, Williams’ talent shone through and brought hope to a Bears organization that drafted the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, Chicago must find a way to protect Williams and establish an offensive line.

“That’s everybody’s business,” Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said of the underwhelming offensive product. “We’ve got to do a great job with the O-line, tight ends, backs. Rhythm and timing of the passes. What’s the play design in terms of getting the ball out? His reads and things like that. Again, it’s everybody’s business, so we’ve got to clean that up.”

Williams hopes to get Chicago’s offense humming like he did with USC. Williams broke nearly every one of the Trojans’ records: USC single-season record for total offense (4,919 yards), most touchdowns scored rushing and passing (52), passing completions (333), passes attempted (500), most passing yards gained (4,537), most touchdown passes thrown (42), most rushing and passing plays (613.)

USC has officially retired Caleb Williams’ No. 13 jersey this season. His number now sits on the peristyle of the Los Angeles Coliseum, among the other Heisman winners (eight in all).

The rookie is still having some initial struggles, but the 2024 NFL season has only just begun.

Next up, Chicago and Williams hit the road for a matchup in Indianapolis against the Colts on Sunday, September 22 at 12:00 p.m. PT. It’s Chicago’s third straight game against an AFC South opponent and features two exciting young quarterbacks in Williams and Indianapolis’ Anthony Richardson.