The Chicago Bears are preparing for another divisional bout in Week 16 as they are set to play the Green Bay Packers. It's safe to say that the Bears could use all hands on deck in the all-important NFC North matchup, and it seems like that's exactly what they'll get because help is on the way.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is being designated to return from the injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. This is a huge step in the right direction for a Chicago team that is making a push for the playoffs, given how impactful the two-time Pro Bowler can be when healthy.
Tremaine Edmunds' Return Could Be Around the Corner
If that wasn't exciting enough, NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated that there's a real chance that Edmunds plays in Week 16, which would give Chicago their star LB back at the second level of the defense. He suffered a groin injury in Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, which led to him missing the last four games.
Of course, the Bears will need to see how Edmunds looks in practice before allowing him to play, but the fact that Rapoport reported that highlights how the Bears feel about Edmunds in terms of his ability to play next week.
He missed the Week 14 loss to the Packers, so his presence in this divisional tilt would be massive, as Edmunds has been a true difference maker whenever he suits up. Despite missing the past four weeks, the 27-year-old is leading the team in total tackles (89) with nine pass deflections and four interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Edmunds has even generated pressure on 14.5% of pass-rushing downs compared to a rate of 8.2% last season.
His run defense is what stands out and could be the biggest area where Edmunds makes an impact, as he already has as many run stops (34) as he did last season despite playing 451 total snaps this year. It's easy to see how those talents would be useful against the Packers, who racked up 117 rushing yards against the Bears in Week 14.
If Edmunds can suit up, you can expect the run defense to get better, which could be massive in this game. It's also worth noting that the Packers lost Micah Parsons to a torn ACL, while Christian Watson's status for this game is currently unknown after leaving Week 15 with a chest injury.
As the season is winding down, it's great for the Bears that they are getting healthy while their rivals are doing the opposite. It'll be crucial to see how Edmunds' body feels after getting back into football activities this week, but it sounds like there's a great shot that he'll play in a pivotal NFC North showdown.