(Photo: 247Sports)
LAKE FOREST, Ill., — The Chicago Bears defense is preparing to face a quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who is making his first career start on Monday Night Football. And the Bears will do so without a starting linebacker.
Ahead of Monday's game in primetime, head coach Ben Johnson told reporters that T.J. Edwards is doubtful for the game as he's dealing with a hamstring injury. Edwards has yet to practice this week, missing Thursday and Friday's practice. While the Bears have yet to practice on Saturday, it's expected he won't be out there again.
With Edwards likely missing the opener, the Bears will turn to Noah Sewell to play opposite of Tremaine Edmunds. But rookie Ruben Hyppolite could also see some time as Johnson pointed out.
"He has really come into his own. He is really smart. He takes it seriously. Really athletic," Johnson said. "D.A. and that side of the ball, they've really grown to think he is someone we can depend on even though we're going to have the bright lights of Monday Night Football on us. So yeah. I'd anticipate him on the field there on defense. He's got to be a playmaker for us on special teams. And I think we're going to continue to see that player ascend."
The Bears will look at Hyppolite when they go with a three-lineman package on Monday.
As for other injuries, Johnson didn't reveal much about starting defensive back Jaylon Johnson, who is dealing with a groin injury. Johnson missed all of training camp and the preseason but has returned to practice in a limited fashion. Johnson will likely be a game-time decision.