The Chicago Bears are on the verge of getting a key piece of their defense back just in time for a critical NFC North clash. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who’s been sidelined with a groin injury, is expected to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers, per reporting from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler in 2019 and 2020, signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Bears in 2023 - a major investment in the middle of their defense. After missing time due to the groin issue, Edmunds was designated to return this week, opening his 21-day practice window.
He was limited during Wednesday’s session (Tuesday was a walkthrough), but by Thursday, he was a full participant. That’s a strong sign the Bears are confident in his readiness to return to game action.
Edmunds’ impact this season has been noticeably different from his first year in Chicago. While last season brought its share of criticism - especially from fans questioning the value of paying top dollar for an off-ball linebacker - Edmunds has answered the bell in 2025.
He’s been far more aggressive, attacking the line of scrimmage rather than reacting, and his physical tools have been on full display. At 6-foot-5 with long arms and great range, he’s made life tough for opposing quarterbacks trying to work the middle of the field.
He’s also shown a knack for generating takeaways, something the Bears’ defense has leaned on during their late-season push.
In just 10 games this year, Edmunds has already matched or exceeded some of his previous season-long production. That’s a testament to his improved instincts and comfort in the Bears’ defensive scheme - a unit that has quietly become one of the more opportunistic in the league.
If Edmunds suits up against Green Bay, it’s a significant boost for a Bears team that’s still in the playoff hunt. But if he’s not quite ready, Chicago has a solid contingency plan in D’Marco Jackson.
The linebacker was brought in earlier this season after being cut by the Saints - a move made possible thanks to head coach Dennis Allen’s familiarity with him from their time in New Orleans. Jackson has stepped up in a big way, even earning Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Browns.
He’s shown he can hold his own, but the Bears would much prefer to have their $72 million man in the middle.
On the other side, the Packers made a few roster moves of their own heading into this rivalry game. Defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. has been activated from injured reserve and added to the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, fellow defensive end Collin Oliver has been downgraded to out for Saturday, and running back MarShawn Lloyd was placed on injured reserve to clear a spot for Cox.
With both teams shuffling key pieces in and out of the lineup, Saturday’s game could come down to which defense makes the bigger plays. If Edmunds is back and flying around like he has for much of this season, the Bears might just have the edge.