Key linebackers return to practice, offering hope for Chicago's defense as they prepare to face the surging Packers.
It has been a difficult last couple of weeks for the Chicago Bears at the linebacker position.
It has been two consecutive games that the Bears have been without linebackers T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), Noah Sewell (elbow) and Tremaine Edmunds. Edmunds was placed on the injured reserve with a groin injury.
In their absences, the Bears have used the likes of Amen Ogbongbemiga, D'Marco Jackson, and Ruben Hyppolite II. However, Hyppolite missed the last game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a shoulder injury.
The Bears might finally catch a break at linebacker, as there were some good signs on Sewell and Edwards. Wednesday's injury report showed that Sewell was a full participant and Edwards was limited.
Hyppolite did not participate, but there's still a chance he could recover in time for Sunday's game. There was no practice on Wednesday, so participation was an estimation.
Running back Kyle Monanagai (ankle), receiver Rome Odunze (foot) and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (hip) didn't participate either. Defensive lineman Andrew Billings (concussion), defensive back Jaylon Johnson (groin) and defensive lineman Dominique Robinson (concussion) were also full participants.
Getting Sewell back alone would be a massive boost for the Bears' defense, with or without Edwards. Simply having a starting linebacker in the lineup would make quite a difference.
Edwards has been with the Bears since 2023 and has finished with over 100 tackles each season since 2021. Unfortunately, he has dealt with injuries this season and has accounted for 31 total tackles and one TFL.
Sewell was in the midst of a breakout season before going down with the elbow injury. He has accounted for 55 total tackles and three TFLs.
Chicago will need as many healthy bodies as it can get in the upcoming matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is 8-3-1 and second in the NFC North. The Packers are on a three-game winning streak coming into Week 14 after beating the Detroit Lions 31-24.
The Bears are holding onto the top spot in the division at 9-3 after taking down the Eagles 24-15 in their last game. Chicago also claimed the top seed in the NFC after the Carolina Panthers beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-28 on Sunday.
Luckily, there is still plenty of time for Hyppolite, Monangai, Odunze and Stevenson to get cleared for Sunday.
Kickoff from Lambeau Field is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox, as the Bears aim for a sixth-straight win.