If Chicago Bears fans were asked what the worst-case scenario would be for their upcoming Pittsburgh Steelers Week 12 showdown after the first injury report, they might say not having their top three linebackers on the field. Guess what? It happened.
The Bears released their final Week 12 injury report, and it lists five players not playing against the Steelers. Three of them are linebackers and are the team's top tacklers. Tremaine Edmunds (groin), T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), and Noah Sewell (elbow) will not be playing after missing all three of the practices this week.
Also out for the Bears are running backs Travis Homer (hamstring/knee) and Roschon Johnson (thumb). Homer was recently taken off IR after missing most of the first half of the season, while Johnson had missed time due to a back injury.
Four players on the Bears are listed as questionable for the game:
- Theo Benedet, LT (Quad)
- Jaquan Brisker, S (Shoulder)
- Kyler Gordon, CB (Calf)
- Jaylon Johnson, CB (Groin)
Bears' defense devastated by injuries once again
There's been some bad weeks for the defense, especially in the secondary, with three guys currently on IR, but not having their top three linebackers in a game they need to play is rough. Edwards felt like it was too early for him to return after getting surgery on his hand two weeks ago. The Edmunds and Sewell will truly be felt as they have carried the middle of the defense for most of the season.
Where does leave the Bears' linebackers for the game? D'Marco Jackson and rookie Ruben Hyppolite are most likely going to step in as the starters, as neither guy has a lot of experience on the Bears' defense in 2025.
There will be eyes on the cornerbacks, with Johnson and Gordon both questionable. Bears head coach Ben Johnson already told the media that he doesn't know what he will do with Johnson, but added that the team will be cautious with the injured players.
Brisker feels he should play in the game, as he's been able to battle through injuries over the last few weeks. Benedet has been limited in the last two practices, so the hope is that he can go. If he can't, Braxton Jones is still on IR, so it would have to be rookie Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle.
Read more: Lions' brutal injury news just opened door to Bears running away with NFC North
Chicago is going to have some challenges on defense, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will really have to show his worth in how he handles the linebackers.