Caleb Williams' request to play in the Hall of Fame Game has been denied.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said on Tuesday that the starters, including the No. 1 overall pick, won't play Thursday against the Houston Texans.
Backup Tyson Bagent will get the start.
It's little surprise that the Bears will sit starters, as is the modus operandi for most clubs participating in the extra preseason game in Canton, Ohio.
Williams noted on Monday that he could always use the extra snaps, saying, "The reps are always paramount for anybody like myself, a young rookie, a second-year guy, a third-year guy, it's paramount."
In the end, however, the Bears will take the prudent approach and keep their starters on the sideline. Instead, we'll see backups and players battling for roster spots and rotational reps.
Eberflus declined to say whether Williams would participate in the Bears' second preseason game on Aug. 10 versus the Buffalo Bills.