The Chicago Bears open the 2025 NFL season in the national spotlight with a division game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. Entering this game, there are multiple intriguing storylines. Among the storylines to watch is how Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play in his first game against the Bears' defense.
That said, Chicago's defense may be missing one of their key contributors on Monday night. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, linebacker T.J. Edwards was not seen during the media period of practice on Wednesday. The 29-year-old left practice early last week and hasn't been seen since. If he is sidelined against Minnesota, it would be a big loss for the Bears' defense.
Bears LB T.J. Edwards in Danger of Missing Week 1
Since joining the Bears in 2023, Edwards has become a fan favorite. The former undrafted free agent has done this by outshining fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who was signed to a much more lucrative contract.
In two seasons with the Bears, Edwards has recorded 284 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and four interceptions. Moreover, he has posted decent grades on Pro Football Focus in both of his seasons in Chicago.
In 2023, the 29-year-old received a 74.5 pass rush grade, a 76.5 run defense grade, a 75.4 coverage grade, and a 79.6 overall grade. Last year his grades dropped of earning a 67.5 pass rush grade, a 60.5 run defense grade, a 56.9 coverage grade, and a 60.7 overall grade.
Despite a slight dip in play in 2024, Edwards was still one of the best players on a struggling defense. As a result, he received a two-year $20 million contract extension this offseason. Clearly, the veteran linebacker is seen as an important part of this defense by the front office and coaching staff.
Without Edwards, McCarthy and the Vikings offense will likely have an easier time attacking the middle of the field with short passes and in the run game. This will leave the Bears' defense more susceptible to giving up points, which puts more pressure on the offense.
Thus, a Week 1 absence could massively change how the defense looks. If Edwards misses the first game, either Noah Sewell or rookie Ruben Hyppolite II would take over. Sewell, who had a great preseason, played mostly outside linebacker and doesn't have great lateral speed.
Hyppolite, on the other hand, does possess the sideline-to-sideline speed, but didn't stand out in preseason games. Therefore, deciding who starts at the other MLB spot next to Edmunds if Edwards is inactive will be interesting.
Regardless of the other startling MLB, Chicago should be in a good position to come out of Week 1 with a divisional victory.