Despite the Chicago Bears' defense playing well of late, they have been playing without one of their top players for the last month, but that might not be for long.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson seemed to indicate to reporters that the team is ready to have one of its top players back on the field as soon as possible, with a chance for him to play in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers. Johnson is ready to have linebacker Tremaine Edmunds back on the field as soon as possible.
"If we can get Tremaine (Edmunds) back, I think that's a huge bonus," Johnson said via CHGO. "He was playing tremendous football before the injury."
Edmunds has been missing from the Bears' defense, but not for long
Edmunds got off to a fast start in the 2025 season, recording 89 tackles, nine pass deflections, four interceptions, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and one sack in 10 games. A groin injury would end up getting Edmunds placed on IR and missing the last four games for the team.
This week has been significant progress for Edmunds, as his 21-day practice window has opened and was limited during the week due to the groin injury. The Bears' final Week 16 injury report indicates he is questionable for the Week 16 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
From how the Bears have handled injured players of late, it seems they have been more cautious about rushing guys back on the field, even if their 21-day practice windows have opened. With how the linebackers are playing, the Bears have no reason to really rush Edmunds back despite how great a player he has been in 2025.
D'Marco Jackson has been a rising star over the last few games, as he was just named NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 15. T.J. Edwards and Noah Sewell are also able to get the job done at linebacker, so there shouldn't be a reason to rush Edmunds back.
Read more: Ben Johnson sure sounds like he's ready to show off Bears' backup receivers
Johnson might be eager to have his linebacker on the heels of returning to the Bears in the biggest game of the season for them. Still, in the same way he is handling Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III's injuries, he should think long-term and make sure Edmunds is 100% before bringing him back.