### Chicago Bears Face Major Defensive Setback Ahead of Week 12 Matchup The Chicago Bears are grappling with significant injury challenges as they prepare for their Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has confirmed that all three starting linebackers—Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Noah Sewell—will be sidelined due to injuries. This situation exacerbates the Bears' defensive woes, as they are set to face a formidable Steelers team. The absence of these key players, particularly Edmunds, who is having a standout season, raises concerns about the Bears' ability to compete effectively in this crucial matchup [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chicago_bears_lose_all_three_starting_linebackers_for_week_12/s1_17081_43102490][https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bears_officially_rule_out_five_players_for_week_12/s1_17039_43101899]. ### Breakdown of the Injury Situation and Team Impact 1. **Injuries to Key Players**: - All three starting linebackers are ruled out: Tremaine Edmunds (groin), T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), and Noah Sewell (elbow) [https://www.windycitygridiron.com/chicago-bears-injuries/104309/chicago-bears-injury-report-tj-edwards-tremaine-edmunds-noah-sewell-jaylon-johnson]. - Additional players ruled out include RB Travis Homer and RB Roschon Johnson, with OL Theo Benedet and several defensive backs listed as questionable [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bears_officially_rule_out_five_players_for_week_12/s1_17039_43101899]. 2. **Impact on Defensive Strategy**: - The Bears' linebacker depth will be severely tested, with only DeMarco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga available, alongside rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, who have limited experience [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bears_have_major_concern_heading_into_steelers_week_12_showdown/s1_13132_43092330]. - The loss of Edmunds is particularly significant as he is tied for the second-most interceptions in the NFL this season, highlighting his crucial role in the Bears' defensive scheme [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chicago_bears_lose_all_three_starting_linebackers_for_week_12/s1_17081_43102490]. 3. **Upcoming Matchup Against the Steelers**: - The Bears (7-3) are currently leading the NFC North but face a challenging opponent in the Steelers (6-4), who are known for their strong offensive capabilities [https://abc7chicago.com/post/bears-top-3-lbs-edmunds-edwards-sewell-steelers/18186460]. - The absence of key defensive players could significantly hinder the Bears' performance, making it difficult to maintain their current standing in the division [https://steelersdepot.com/2025/11/bears-week-12-friday-injury-report-linebacker-room-decimated-by-injuries-ahead-of-steelers-game]. ### Summary of the Bears' Injury Crisis and Its Implications In summary, the Chicago Bears are facing a critical injury crisis as they head into Week 12, with all three starting linebackers ruled out for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This situation poses a significant challenge for the Bears' defense, which will need to rely on less experienced players to fill the gaps left by their injured stars. 1. **Key Injuries**: All three starting linebackers—Edmunds, Edwards, and Sewell—are out, along with two running backs [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bears_officially_rule_out_five_players_for_week_12/s1_17039_43101899]. 2. **Defensive Strategy Impact**: The Bears' depth at linebacker is severely tested, with only a few healthy players available [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bears_have_major_concern_heading_into_steelers_week_12_showdown/s1_13132_43092330]. 3. **Matchup Concerns**: The Bears must contend with a strong Steelers team, raising doubts about their ability to maintain their division lead [https://abc7chicago.com/post/bears-top-3-lbs-edmunds-edwards-sewell-steelers/18186460]. The Bears' ability to adapt to these injuries will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming game and the remainder of the season.