Bears rally to beat Packers in overtime after Love concussion
Caleb Williams connects on a 46-yard overtime strike to DJ Moore as Chicago overtakes Green Bay for the NFC North lead
CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers in overtime after a sequence that began with Packers quarterback Jordan Love suffering a concussion in the second quarter. Love was hit on a sack by Bears defensive lineman Austin Booker and left the field, later walking to the visitors’ locker room. Malik Willis entered at quarterback for Green Bay and helped the Packers take a 6-0 lead on a 22-yard Brandon McManus field goal.
The injury forced Love to the blue injury tent on Green Bay’s sideline before he ultimately did not return to the game. Booker was penalized for roughing the passer on the play. Fox Sports reported that the heaters on Green Bay’s sideline were inoperable for much of the night, complicating a cold-weather matchup that stretched into overtime.
Willis, in relief, completed nine of 11 passes for 121 yards with a touchdown and added 44 rushing yards, helping Green Bay gain a late lead. The Packers appeared to have the game in hand late in the fourth quarter when they extended a 16-6 advantage with just under six minutes remaining. Chicago answered with a quick field goal drive, then recovered an onside kick and tied the game on a fourth-down touchdown pass thrown by Caleb Williams.
In overtime, Green Bay received the ball first but could not convert on a fourth-and-short in Bears territory. Williams then delivered the decisive 46-yard ball on the Bears’ fourth play of overtime, connecting with DJ Moore for the game-winning score. Moore’s catch gave Chicago the win and tightened the NFC North race with two games remaining.
The victory vaulted the Bears into first place in the NFC North. The club also maintained a realistic chance at the conference’s top seed with two games left on the schedule, dependent on results elsewhere and the remaining NFC standings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Bears improved to 2-0 in overtime this season against Green Bay, while the Packers saw their playoff positioning affected by the late collapse and Love’s early exit. The game’s outcome shapes the closing weeks of the 2025 NFL season and sets the stage for a pivotal stretch run across the conference.
