Bears Camp Already Has A Defensive Problem Fans Feared

As training camp kicks off, the Chicago Bears face immediate setbacks with key injuries putting pressure on their defensive lineup.

The Chicago Bears are barely into training camp and already dealing with a pileup of roster questions.

Before veterans even reported Tuesday, the team announced its first wave of moves, and the list was longer than anyone would want this early. Linebacker T.J.

Edwards was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list after fracturing his fibula in the Bears’ playoff win over the Green Bay Packers last season. The good news for Chicago is that Edwards is still expected to be ready for the regular season.

The Bears also put five players on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list: Keyshaun Elliott, Kyler Gordon, Noah Sewell, Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner.

Gordon remains one of the biggest concerns. He has been dealing with a soft-tissue injury since last year, played in just three games in 2025 and missed all of OTAs. Head coach Ben Johnsonleaving confused about the situation.

Turner’s situation is also murky. He missed all of OTAs as he continues recovering from the ACL injury he suffered last year, and his status for 2026 is unclear.

Elliott, a recent draft pick, is another early hit to the depth chart. He was expected to compete for backup linebacker duties, so seeing him sidelined already is hardly ideal.

Sewell adds to the concern at linebacker. He had been in and out of the lineup last year with an injury, and now he joins Edwards and Elliott on the list, leaving three linebackers unavailable as camp opens.

That’s where the Bears’ early camp picture gets messy, especially on defense. The injury bug is already forcing Dennis Allen to look for answers inside the roster, and training camp suddenly has a lot more pressure attached to it.

For now, Chicago is left waiting and hoping all six players can get back at some point during camp.

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