CHICAGO -- With Earl Bennett (torso) unavailable for perhaps the next few weeks, the Chicago Bears had no choice but to activate receiver Roy Williams, who missed Week 2 because of a groin injury.
The week off clearly hurt whatever chemistry Williams and quarterback Jay Cutler developed in the regular season opener, as the two failed to connect a single time in the 27-17 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
"Groins are iffy situations, but I had to play today, I had to play today," Williams said. "It was painful but you just play through it. That's what you do. That's what you're paid to do. I was just trying to help."
Things went south for the duo in a hurry. Cutler tried to hit Williams down the deep right sideline on the first play of the Bears second offensive possession, but the ball was intercepted by Green Bay safety Morgan Burnett. There appeared to be some sort of disconnect on the play because the football was thrown to the inside and the wideout stayed on the outside.
"I had a pump and go on the first play and it got picked off," Williams said. "You know, we just weren't on target today. I think Jay played well. I think the receivers played well. There were some plays we left out there that we wish we had back, but we have another week next week.
"I got to go make that grab or knock it down."
Cutler went back to Williams on first-and-goal from the 3-yard line in the second quarter, but the wideout dropped a quick slant. The Bears did eventually score on the drive when Dane Sanzenbacher hauled in a touchdown on third down.
"I'll take that, I dropped that ball," Williams said. "I dropped that ball. It was a good play by him. An NFL receiver has to catch that ball. That one is on me."
While Williams was unable to make an impact, fellow receiver Johnny Knox stepped up the first half with four three receptions for 77 yards. However, Knox made a critical error in the second half when he dropped a deep pass that would've resulted in a big gain. Knox was hit hard on the play, but Cutler put the ball right between the numbers.
"Unacceptable. I'm a receiver and I have to catch that ball. Simple as that," Knox said. "I was trying to make a move before it happened. I just need to look the ball in."
After the drop, Knox went to the sidelines and Williams re-entered. But it was the same story, as Cutler tossed his second interception to Burnett on a deep middle pass intended for Williams in the fourth quarter.
"Not a lot of time with Roy," Cutler said. "It didn't happen overnight. Missing camp, injuries, he's still a little bit sore. Until we put some real time in there and we get some practices and we get some reps and everyone's comfortable, it's hard. You can ask any quarterback."
Williams finished the game with zero receptions on four targets.
"We were just sticking to the same rotation we do," Williams said. "Second half I got tight, sitting out late in the second quarter then halftime. It was just tight. I stayed out a little bit, then Johnny went down and I had to go.
"I went the first week and had 50 something yards, then the groin happened. I'm not using that as an excuse by no means whatsoever. I just had to get it back going. It's a long season, a long season. Tough day at the office today, (but) we'll gear up and get ready for next week."