Two devastating injuries threaten Bears’ playoff push vs. Rams

The Chicago Bears have quickly become the darlings of the NFL, thanks to yet another remarkable fourth-quarter comeback orchestrated by QB Caleb Williams.

The Bears overcame a 21-3 halftime deficit to topple their arch-rival Green Bay Packers, 31-27, in the Wild Card round. Now, they have a date set with the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Unfortunately for Chicago, they won’t be at 100% health. And the two players they’ll be without are critical starters.

Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo tore the patellar tendon in his knee, ending his 2025 season and putting the start of his 2026 season very much in doubt.

MORE: Caleb Williams had iconic celebration after Bears’ Wild Card win over Packers

Linebacker T.J. Edwards left Saturday night’s game in an air cast after fracturing his leg. He’s done for the post-season too.

The bigger injury of the two is Trapilo, who was trending as the Bears’ left tackle of the future after a slow start to his rookie year.

Now, the Bears will be forced to start Theo Benedet at left tackle and D’Marco Jackson at linebacker. Both players logged starting reps at different points in the 2025 season, and they’ve each flashed at least competent upside.

Jackson was particularly impressive in Saturday night’s win over the Packers.

Still, Edwards’ role as the glue that keeps the Bears’ defense together simply cannot be replaced. And with a matchup against one of the NFL’s best offenses next week, losing a defensive leader like that is killer.

MORE: Is Caleb Williams the best Bears QB of all-time? This former All-Pro thinks so

The good news — if there is any — is that both Benedet and Jackson will practice all week knowing they’re starting. It’s not like either incumbent is a game-time decision. They can prepare like a starter, and if anything has been true about this year’s Bears team, it’s all about preparation.

Hopefully, Benedet and Jackson will become unsung heroes of yet another thrilling Chicago Bears playoff win at Soldier Field.

Subscribe to the BearsTalk Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Spreaker, or wherever you get your podcasts from.