Bears QB Caleb Williams wants to play in Hall of Fame Game

The Chicago Bears have ramped up the intensity of their ongoing training camp in preparation for their first preseason game on Thursday. The Bears will take on the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, which gives Chicago one extra exhibition game.

There’s been ample speculation that the starters won’t participate in the extra contest, as the coaching staff wouldn’t want to risk injury for their first unit. That means rookies who are projected to start, like No. 1 pick quarterback Caleb Williams, wouldn’t get their first taste of NFL action until the official first week of the preseason.

Williams discussed the benefits that come with him getting preseason reps, which could very well start Thursday in Canton.

"I always think there’s more pros than cons, if anything, especially for a young guy like myself," Williams said. “Reps are always paramount for a young guy like myself."

Chicago’s rookie quarterback made it clear that he wants to play on Thursday, but he also understands the decision isn't up to him.

"I would love to get out there and play," he said. "It’s pretty awesome to get out there at Canton."

As of Monday, Williams was not told whether he would suit up or not. Coach Matt Eberflus said that the announcement about whether Williams and starters will play would be made Tuesday.

The broader question of how much the starting units of NFL teams should play in the preseason is complicated. The catastrophic prospect of key players getting injured for what's perceived as a meaningless game has left teams and their fans conflicted for decades. There's been several instances of crucial players, such as the starting quarterback, going down with a serious injury in these games, dooming that team's entire season.

Still, there are undeniable benefits in the whole matter. It allows rookies to get their first look at real NFL action, gives the newcomers some game experience playing in a new system, and gives the guys lower on the depth chart their biggest chance to make an impression on their coaching staff. Speaking of coaches, it allows them to tinker with playbooks, schemes, alignments and even situational playcalls, all of which helps them better prepare for when the games count.

There's pros and cons, as Williams aptly put it. The Bears' coaches will need to carefully evaluate the risk versus reward as the team gears up for their first preseason game this week.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears QB Caleb Williams wants to play in Hall of Fame Game