Bears Face Steelers Without Starting Linebackers

The Chicago Bears will enter their Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers without their entire starting linebacker unit. T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Noah Sewell have all been ruled out due to injuries sustained in previous games and have not practiced throughout the week. Edwards is recovering from hand surgery and a hamstring injury, while Edmunds is sidelined with a groin injury, and Sewell has an elbow injury.

ESPN

With the absence of their starting linebackers, the Bears are expected to rely on reserve players D'Marco Jackson and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, who have a combined total of only 50 defensive snaps this season. Additionally, Amen Ogbongbemiga, who has primarily played on special teams, may also see increased playing time. The Bears have the option to elevate Carl Jones Jr. or Jalen Reeves-Maybin from the practice squad to bolster their linebacker corps. Reeves-Maybin, a former Detroit Lions player, has experience as a starter and could provide valuable depth.

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The Bears are also facing challenges in other positions. Running backs Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer have been ruled out due to injuries, further limiting the team's depth behind starters D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Left tackle Theo Benedet and safety Jaquan Brisker are listed as questionable, while cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, who are on injured reserve, have shown progress in practice but still require activation before the game.

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Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the team's injury challenges, stating, “Everybody in the league deals with this... Fortunately for us, it’s a five-day span. Most teams have to deal with a four-day span.” He emphasized the importance of smart decision-making regarding player health and readiness.

Sauk Valley Telegraph

Critics have raised concerns about the Bears' depth and preparedness in light of these injuries. The reliance on inexperienced players could pose significant challenges against a Steelers team that often utilizes multiple tight ends, potentially exploiting the Bears' weakened linebacker unit.

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The Bears will kick off against the Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on November 23. Following this game, they face a quick turnaround as they prepare to play the Philadelphia Eagles on November 28. The team will need to make strategic decisions regarding player activation and game strategy to navigate their injury situation effectively.

Sauk Valley Telegraph

• “I’m in the meat grinder, playing good football,” — C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bears Slot Cornerback

Chicago Sun-Times

• “Like I said, I’m ready to go. They’re all behind me.” — Ruben Hyppolite II, Bears Linebacker

Sauk Valley Telegraph

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Bears as they strive to maintain competitiveness in the NFL amidst significant injuries to key players.

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