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 did not suffer any serious injuries and provided an update on his status after the game.

“I’m a little banged up,” Williams said after the loss, according to the official transcript. “I took a few hits today. I’m going to lay in ice tubs and do whatever I need to do to make sure my body is ready for tomorrow. I’ll train the other days and obviously for the next match.”

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

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

Williams completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards and two interceptions. With two NFL starts under his belt, Williams’ talent has shone and gives hope to the Bears organization, which selected the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, Chicago must find a way to protect Williams and go on offense.

“This is a thing that affects everybody,” Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said of the disappointing offensive performance. “We have to do a great job with the O-line, the tight ends and the backs. Rhythm and timing on the passes. What’s the play like to get the ball out? His reads and all that. Again, it affects everybody, so we have to get that right.”

Williams hopes to make Chicago’s offense hum like it did at USC. Williams has broken nearly every Trojans record: USC single-season record for total offense (4,919 yards), most rushing and passing touchdowns (52), pass completions (333), pass attempts (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, and his number is now displayed alongside the other Heisman winners (eight in total) on the peristyle of the Los Angeles Coliseum.

The rookie is still struggling with teething issues, but the 2024 NFL season has just begun.

Chicago and Williams will next face the Colts in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 22nd at noon PT. It will be Chicago’s third straight game against an AFC South opponent, and the game will feature two exciting young quarterbacks: Williams and Indianapolis’ Anthony Richardson.