Bryce Young, Tyler Shough and Top Fantasy Waiver-Wire QBs After Caleb Williams Injury

Caleb Williams appeared to suffer major hamstring during Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings, a huge concern for the Chicago Bears going forward.

Fantasy enthusiasts who rostered Williams may also need to start considering other options. Below we'll break down some of the players to have on your radar, including Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and the New Orleans Saints Tyler Shough.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

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Young has come out hot to start the 2026 season, with three touchdown passes in each of his first two games (and a rushing touchdown in Week 1). He took a nice step forward in his third season last year and appears to be hitting another level yet again.

The talent is there—he was a top overall pick in 2023 for a reason. But now the fantasy results are starting to follow after three seasons of being an afterthought.

Whether this is sustainable remains to be seen, but if you are scouring waivers for help at quarterback you can only afford to be so choosy. Young should be a top consideration.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

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Shough has now exceeded 22 fantasy points in each of his first two games, leading the Saints to a win and a tight overtime loss. The Saints appear to have some real juice in the passing game, even if his fantasy totals on Sunday were propped up somewhat by a quarterback-sneak touchdown.

But 662 passing yards and five total touchdowns through two games is a good sign. If Shough is available in your league he's a fantastic pickup.

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

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We're digging pretty deep here, given that 12 of Cam Ward's 20 fantasy points on Sunday came from a pair of rushing touchdowns. But for deeper or superflex leagues, you may not have much of a choice but to take a chance on a fringe player, and Ward's rushing ability gives him just enough upside to consider.

Young and Shough are much better options. But if neither are available, you may have to roll the dice on Ward's legs and hope his arm takes a jump as the season progresses.