UPDATE: The Chicago Bears have officially placed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on injured reserve, as confirmed by team officials earlier today. This significant move comes just before their critical matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field on Sunday.
The Bears announced that both Edmunds and running back Roschon Johnson will be sidelined for a minimum of four games. This decision adds urgency to an already challenging situation for the Bears, who are looking to maintain their momentum after a narrow 19-17 victory against the Minnesota Vikings last week.
Edmunds, who has been a standout player with 89 tackles this season, suffered a groin injury late in the previous game. Scans revealed the severity of the injury, which could keep him out for up to six weeks, marking a crucial loss for the Bears’ defensive lineup.
In light of these developments, the Bears have made several roster adjustments. Carl Jones Jr. and Brittain Brown have been elevated to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, while Jordan McFadden and Nikola Kalinic have been elevated for game-day duties. The absence of cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, who remain on injured reserve, further complicates the Bears’ defensive strategies as they prepare for the Steelers.
With Edmunds out, D’Marco Jackson is set to make his first career start at middle linebacker, alongside rookie Ruben Hyppolite II. The Bears’ defense faces a tough test against a Steelers offense that may leverage multiple tight end sets, particularly with quarterback Aaron Rodgers listed as questionable due to a wrist fracture.
Bears’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen now faces the challenge of adapting his game plan without key personnel. The Bears rank 25th in the league against the run, highlighting the urgency for Allen to find effective replacements on the fly.
As the Bears gear up for this pivotal game, head coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence in his team’s depth but acknowledged the weight of these injuries on their playoff aspirations. “We’re going to be really smart with all of these guys,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of health and readiness for the upcoming quick turnaround against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bears (7-3) remain hopeful that reinforcements will arrive soon, with Johnson and Gordon participating fully in practice this week. Both players could return for the upcoming Friday game, adding a much-needed boost to the roster.
As fans prepare for what could be a defining moment in the Bears’ season, the pressure mounts for them to rally together amidst the challenges. The earliest Edmunds could return is in a critical game against the Green Bay Packers on December 20, amplifying the urgency for the Bears to secure wins in his absence.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Bears face the Steelers this Sunday, with kickoff at 1:00 PM CST.
