It's the update the Chicago Bears fan base has been waiting for: linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is close to returning to the field.
The team announced that Edmunds' 21-day practice window has opened, and he will be able to return to the practice field starting in Week 16. Edmunds has been out since their previous matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, where he injured his groin last month.
In 10 games this season, Edmunds has racked up 89 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass deflections, and one sack on the season. He was in the running for the NFL lead for interceptions before getting injured.
Bears almost at full strength at linebacker for most important game of the season
After the first half of the season, which was dominated by injuries at cornerback on defense, the Bears have gone through multiple injuries at linebacker. Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Noah Sewell, and Ruben Hyppolite II, the team's top four linebackers, have all missed time over the last month with multiple injuries.
Like everything else this season, the Bears' defense has been resilient and has found some potential stars who have stepped up. D'Marco Jackson has been a force at linebacker over the last few weeks. Amen Ogbongbemiga has also stepped up for the Bears at linebacker to get them through the rough patch.
It's unknown how quickly Edmunds will be rushed onto the field, as he has three weeks to be active before he has to be shut down for the season. Since Jackson's play has been so good of late, the Bears could be more patient with Edmunds and not rush him back.
That might be tough to hold him back, since the Bears are set to play the Green Bay Packers for the top spot in the NFC North, and that game might end up being the division championship in Week 16. Chicago will want all their best players on the field after losing to Green Bay 28-21 back in Week 14.
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The Bears are in a good spot now that Edmunds can practice again, and that could mean Chicago is genuinely ready for the playoff push that starts now.