Bears Injury Report: Offensive Concerns Mount, But Linebacker Core Nears Full Strength
There’s a little bit of good news coming out of Halas Hall to kick off Week 14 - and then there’s the part that’ll make Bears fans hold their breath.
Let’s start with the positives. The Bears’ first injury report of the week is shorter than it’s been in recent weeks, and for a team that’s been banged up all season, that’s a welcome change.
More importantly, a couple key defenders are trending in the right direction. Linebackers Noah Sewell and T.J.
Edwards, both of whom have missed time recently, were listed as participants - Sewell fully, and Edwards in a limited capacity. That’s a major boost to a defense that’s been holding its own despite being short-handed.
Now the not-so-great news: two of Chicago’s most important offensive weapons, Kyle Monangai and Rome Odunze, were marked as “did not participate” in Monday’s estimated practice report. The Bears didn’t actually take the field - this was a projection based on how players would’ve been listed had they practiced - but the DNPs for Monangai and Odunze are worth watching closely.
Full Injury Report (12/3/25):
- Ruben Hyppolite II, LB (Shoulder) - DNP
- Kyle Monangai, RB (Ankle) - DNP
- Rome Odunze, WR (Foot) - DNP
- Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Hip) - DNP
- T.J. Edwards, LB (Hand/Hamstring) - Limited
- Andrew Billings, DL (Concussion) - Full
- Jaylon Johnson, CB (Groin) - Full
- Dominique Robinson, DL (Concussion) - Full
- Noah Sewell, LB (Elbow) - Full
Offensive Injuries Raise Red Flags
Let’s not hit the panic button just yet on Odunze. The rookie wideout has been managing a lingering foot issue for much of the season and has occasionally sat out early-week practices before suiting up on game day.
This could be more of the same - a precautionary move to manage his workload. But it’s still something to keep an eye on as the week progresses.
Monangai’s situation is a bit more surprising. He played the full game in the Bears’ 24-15 win over the Eagles in Week 13 and didn’t appear to be nursing anything during or after the game.
So seeing him pop up with an ankle injury is unexpected. If he’s limited or out for Sunday, it would be a significant blow to a Bears offense that’s leaned heavily on his physical running style and ability to move the chains.
Defense Getting Reinforcements
On the other side of the ball, the linebacker room is getting healthier - and just in time. With Tremaine Edmunds still on injured reserve, the Bears have been relying on D’Marco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga, who’ve both stepped up in recent weeks. But getting Sewell back to full participation and Edwards trending upward adds much-needed depth and experience to the second level of the defense.
Edwards has been one of the Bears’ most consistent defenders this season, so even a limited return is a positive sign. Sewell’s progress is equally encouraging - the rookie has shown flashes of high-level play, and his return gives the defense more versatility and speed in the middle.
Cornerback Depth Being Tested
Tyrique Stevenson remains a question mark. He missed last week’s game with a hip injury and is still listed as a DNP.
With the Bears playing it cautious, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he misses another week. Fortunately for Chicago, the secondary has held up well in his absence.
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are back to full strength, and Nahshon Wright has emerged as a reliable option at CB2, giving the Bears flexibility in coverage.
Looking Ahead to Week 14
With a divisional clash against the Packers looming, the health of Monangai and Odunze looms large. If both are limited or unavailable, the Bears’ offensive game plan could look very different. But if they can return to practice later this week - especially Odunze, who has a track record of bouncing back - there’s still hope the offense will be close to full strength when it matters most.
Meanwhile, the defense looks like it’s rounding back into form. If Sewell and Edwards are good to go, and the front seven can stay aggressive, Chicago’s defense could be in position to set the tone in a critical NFC North matchup.
Bottom line: there’s reason for optimism, but this is a week to watch the injury report closely. The Bears are trending healthier overall - but their offensive stars need to be on the field if they want to keep pace in the playoff hunt.