The Bears have long been eliminated from the playoff contenion, without much to gain from a Week 18 result as it relates to the 2024 campaign.

That’s not to say there isn’t anything to play for on Sunday when they face Green Bay at Lambeau Field, but long-term health is obviously something that can be lost playing a violent game.

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That won’t stop the Bears from playing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in this game. Interim head coach Thomas Brown said on Monday that Williams will play, as will all healthy players on the roster. The Bears will finish out the season pushing for a win and an end to a 10-game losing streak.

“As far as Caleb goes, as far as dialogue about him not playing, that’s never come up or been talked about as at all,” Brown said in a press conference. “Part of the overall evolution of him being his best is to continue to find ways to help him continue to grow and be at his best week in and week out. Part of it’s going to be able to learn to protect himself and also be better around it from a protection standpoint. There was no thought into that for myself or communication with (General Manager) Ryan (Poles) because there’s an opportunity that’s not guaranteed.

“I take it very seriously because opportunities aren’t guaranteed. One thing I hate more than anything is wasted time. When time is gone, you don’t get it back. I’m going to maximize every moment I have. The same thought process as far as this team and this game on Sunday.”

Brown’s point is a solid one. Williams needs as much experience as possible. He’ll have the chance to learn by doing, to continue to make positive steps. The Bears shouldn’t deny him that. Williams has shown an ability to learn and grow even from the bad moments, and he’ll take every opportunity to develop and work to become a better player. And, yes, that includes a relatively insignificant game at the end of a lost season.

Brown also said that all healthy veterans will be available to play. Tight end Cole Kmet considers every snap taken to be valuable to him. He feels the same way about those given to Williams. “I think, as many reps as you can get early on in your career is huge,” Kmet said. “I just look at myself. I’ve been able to stay pretty healthy through the course of my career. You can’t replace those reps you get. To be able to stay on the field is huge. The more reps, the more looks you get in NFL games, I think you grow from it, you get better from it. Sure, it’s not always a steady climb up. There’s ups and downs along the way. You always kinda bank those reps that you’ve had in the past. You can use them in your experiences going forward. It’s a big deal that he was able to stay healthy and play this whole season so far.”