The Chicago Bears face off against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. One matchup to monitor throughout the game is Minnesota’s revamped running game vs. Chicago’s front seven, aiming to rebound after allowing the fifth-most rushing yards in 2024. Unfortunately, the Bears could be shorthanded with one of their top run-stoppers dealing with a soft-tissue injury.
Chicago Bears’ talented LB dealing with a hamstring injury
USATSI 24953625 168400517 lowres scaled
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
T.J. Edwards has been battling a hamstring injury over the past few weeks. The linebacker did not participate in Thursday, Friday, and Saturday’s practice. While the Bears will soon release their official injury report for Week 1, the defense cannot afford for Edwards to miss any time; however, they also need to be cautious, as hamstring injuries can linger.
Chicago Bears hit with brutal injury news for Week 1
Chicago Bears, T.J. Edwards
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, the Bears officially listed T.J. Edwards as doubtful in their Week 1 injury report. The talented run-stopping linebacker essentially has a 25% chance of playing against the Minnesota Vikings. This is brutal news for the defense, but the team is wisely playing it safe to avoid the risk of aggravation, especially at the start of the season.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson says LB T.J. Edwards will be doubtful for Monday night. TBD on CB Jaylon Johnson’s status (injury report will be out this afternoon).
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) September 6, 2025
Who replaces him?
USATSI 24345159 168400517 lowres
Sep 21, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (4) pictured before a game against the Villanova Wildcats at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The plan is for rookie Ruben Hyppolite II to start if T.J. Edwards is unable to play. The fourth-round pick competed for the No. 3 linebacker spot during training camp and earned playing time heading into the 2025 season. Former fifth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, Noah Sewell, is expected to receive playing time and will slide into the No. 3 linebacker role.
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:
Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko, and follow us@GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me onLinkedIn. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest inNFL and College Football,click here.
Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.