Bears’ Caleb Williams makes first career touchdown catch against Bengals

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson delved into his playbook in the first quarter of their matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon.

The Bears had the 2-yard line when Johnson called a trick play. Caleb Williams handed the ball to receiver Rome Odunze, who then gave it to receiver DJ Moore.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore throws to quarterback Caleb Williams for a touchdown against the Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Moore threw the ball to Williams, who was wide open in the end zone for the touchdown. It was the first reception and touchdown of Williams’ career. The score helped tie the game at seven apiece.

It was a triumphant response to the Bengals’ first shot.

Bengals kick returner Charlie Jones gave his team an electric start in Week 9 in their matchup against the Bears.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the Bengals game on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

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Jones fielded a Cairo Santos kick from the 2-yard line, found a gap and broke through the Bears’ coverage team. He returned the kick 98 yards for a Bengals touchdown. Jones reached a top speed of 21.78 mph on the kick return, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Both teams came into the game needing a win to stay afloat in their respective playoff races.

Cincinnati has been able to stay within one shot of the AFC North lead behind Joe Flacco and Jake Browning, who played in place of the injured Joe Burrow.

Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones celebrates his kickoff return touchdown against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

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Chicago was still in the postseason hunt despite being 4-3 and third in the NFC North division behind the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.

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