The Chicago Bears’ defense has been quietly turning heads over the past month-but they've been doing it without one of their biggest playmakers. That could be about to change.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who’s been sidelined with a groin injury, is inching closer to a return. Head coach Ben Johnson didn’t hide his excitement when asked about the possibility of getting Edmunds back in the lineup for Week 16’s crucial divisional clash against the Green Bay Packers.
“If we can get Tremaine back, I think that’s a huge bonus,” Johnson told reporters. “He was playing tremendous football before the injury.”
And there’s no exaggeration there. Before going down, Edmunds was putting together one of the most impactful stretches of his career.
In just 10 games, he racked up 89 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass deflections, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and a sack. That’s not just solid production-that’s game-changing stuff from the middle of the field.
But the groin injury forced the Bears to place him on injured reserve, and he’s missed the last four games. Now, with his 21-day practice window officially open, Edmunds has returned to the field in a limited capacity this week. He’s officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the Packers.
Here’s where things get interesting. The Bears have been cautious with injured players recently, even when they’ve been designated to return.
They’re not in the business of rushing guys back just because they’re eligible. And given how well the linebacker unit has held things down in Edmunds’ absence, there’s no pressure to force the issue.
D’Marco Jackson, in particular, has stepped up in a big way. He was just named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 15, and his emergence has helped stabilize the middle of the defense.
T.J. Edwards continues to be a steady presence, and rookie Noah Sewell has shown flashes that suggest he’s ahead of schedule in his development.
That depth gives Chicago some breathing room. Yes, Edmunds is a difference-maker when healthy-his range, instincts, and ability to drop into coverage give the Bears a dynamic element few teams can match at linebacker. But with a playoff push in sight, this team has to think long-term.
Johnson has taken a similar approach with wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, both of whom are also working their way back from injury. The message has been consistent: no shortcuts. Get guys back when they’re ready-fully ready.
Still, with the Packers looming in a game that could define the Bears’ postseason hopes, it’s tempting to want all hands on deck. Edmunds’ potential return would be a major boost, no question.
But with the way this defense is playing, Chicago can afford to play it smart. If Edmunds is back this week, it’s because he’s ready.
If not, the Bears know they’ve got the depth to hold the line until their defensive centerpiece is 100%.