The biggest question mark for the Chicago Bears heading into the second round of the playoffs was how the franchise would replace T.J. Edwards. The starting linebacker suffered a broken fibula that obviously has him on the shelf for the rest of the postseason, and the Bears are searching for defensive answers.
It would seemingly open the door for rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite to make the active roster for the first time since Week 12 and perhaps play a role. Despite being inactive in the NFC Wild Card Round, it was easy to imagine the Bears would turn to the rookie in hopes of finding surprise production.
Instead, Chicago made a surprise move early this week, signing Jalen Reeves-Maybin to the active roster, according to the team's official X account. It is hard to imagine that Reeves-Maybin and Hyppolite both have a path to making the active roster in round two, making it clear the complete lack of trust in the rookie defender.
Ruben Hyppolite's Bears Outlook Is Murky Following Jalen Reeves-Maybin Signing
The most defensive snaps that Hyppolite has played this season came in Week 12 (13), and the rookie hasn't been on the field since. It is hard to take anything away from this but a clear lack of trust, even when the Bears have been pushed into a desperate situation. Reeves-Maybin hasn't had any more experience with the Bears this season, only playing eight defensive snaps throughout all of 2025, with all of these coming last round.
It is a frustrating development Hyppolite, who just seemingly had an incredible opportunity created by injury. As cruel as this might seem, it is the reality of a physical league forced to adopt the next man up mentality. Breakout seasons have often been set up by injuries or issues that have kept a player off the field and given a previously underwhelming piece a chance to surprise fans and coaches.
The fact that Hyppolite isn't going to be afforded this chance provides even more clarity to his current standing within the organization. He only played 31 defensive snaps across seven games in the regular season, which includes three games where he didn't play any. Given the Bears' LB woes this year, that's telling.
Regardless of how long Chicago's playoff run lasts, it's obvious that Hyppolite needs to step up if he wants to get on the field — either this postseason or next regular season. The Bears won't turn the page on the fourth-round pick this offseason, but he'll need to step up if he wants to return to a defined role come training camp.
When Chicago needed a surprise contributor, they had zero trust in even setting Hyppolite up for the opportunity. Only time will tell if his outlook will change, and just how quickly that could happen.