Bears Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Steelers Matchup

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Bears are facing significant injury challenges as they prepare for a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Starting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has been moved to injured reserve due to a groin injury that will keep him off the field for at least four games.

Edmunds experienced the setback during the Bears’ previous victory over the Minnesota Vikings. He was already declared out for the upcoming game, but the move to injured reserve means he won’t return until Week 16 at the earliest, when the Bears face division rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Alongside Edmunds, the Bears will be without their top three linebackers: T.J. Edwards is still recovering from surgery, and Noah Sewell is sidelined with an elbow injury. This leaves the Bears’ defense significantly depleted, with rookie Ruben Hyppolite II and D’Marco Jackson expected to fill in.

With the linebacking corps in disarray, the Bears are also dealing with injuries in their secondary. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon remain on injured reserve but have begun practicing. Johnson’s return could provide the Bears some flexibility on defense, allowing for more strategic matchups against the Steelers’ passing game.

In addition to defensive woes, the Bears had to promote running back Brittain Brown from their practice squad due to injuries to Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer, further complicating their offensive lineup.

The Bears stand at 7-3 this season and lead the NFC North, but they face a daunting challenge as they gear up for tough matchups against playoff contenders, including the Steelers, Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles in the coming weeks.