The Chicago Bears (7-3) will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) in what should be a classic, old-school battle between two of the NFL's most historic franchises.
However, it won't be an old-school look for the Bears. At least, not at linebacker.
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For a franchise known best for hunting linebackers like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher, Week 12 will be a showcase of backups at the position.
All three of the Bears' starting LBs are out with injury.
Here's the complete list of inactives for Sunday's game:
Bears inactives: LB T.J. Edwards, LB Noah Sewell, LT Theo Benedet, RB Travis Homer, DT Jonathan Ford, QB Case Keenum, WR Jahdae Walker
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One name that stands out from that list is left tackle Theo Benedet, who's dealing with a quad injury. He'll be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Ozzy Trapilo, who now has a chance to secure a critical role down the stretch after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
As for the replacements? Here are the Bears' reserves who are stepping into a starting role in Week 12, according to The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain:
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LT Ozzy Trapilo, LB D'Marco Jackson, LB Ruben Hyppolite.
Kickoff between the Bears and Steelers is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST (12 p.m. CT) from Soldier Field.
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