The Chicago Bears pulled off one of the greatest victories in franchise history. Trailing 21-3 at one point and 21-9 entering the fourth quarter of their duel against the rival Green Bay Packers, Caleb Williams helped rally the troops and finish off a miraculous 31-27 comeback win that stands out as an immortal moment in the annals of this rivalry.
While Chicago will be riding high for the next few days (and deservedly so) after the franchise won its first playoff game since the 2010 season almost two decades ago, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that this team is working through some injury concerns.
Johnson confirmed that linebacker TJ Edwards, who suffered a scary non-contact injury and had his leg placed in a cast, suffered a fractured fibula and will be out for the remainder of the season. In addition, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo is going to be on the mend for some time.
Trapilo, who went down in the fourth quarter of this comeback win, suffered a patellar injury and will also be out for the year. If Williams and the Bears want to make a run at a Super Bowl, they will need to do so without a starting linebacker and left tackle.
Bears confirm OT Ozzy Trapilo, LB TJ Edwards out for season
Edwards' injury could not have come at a worse time for the Bears, as the thin defense was already trying to work around an injured linebacker room that saw rookie Ruben Hyppolite and oft-injured youngster Noah Sewell also get ruled out of the Green Bay contest.
Edwards has been one of the better linebackers in the NFC this season and one of just a handful of players in Dennis Allen's defense who can genuinely claim to have exceeded expectations. Missing him in playoff games against the best of the best is not going to be ideal for this defense.
Trapilo has been solid since taking ownership of the left tackle job. Theo Benedet will be in line to replace the Boston College alum and second-rounder who has worked his way into the Bears' long-term future. While unremarkable, he might be enough to get the job done for a few games.
The Bears have shown they can handle injury adversity and still perform well, which could give fans some optimism that they can continue to compete despite losing two incredibly important members of their roster in such quick successio.