Bears have major concern heading into Steelers Week 12 showdown

The NFC North-leading Chicago Bears have a potential problem heading into Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4).

At Wednesday's practice, the Bears (7-3) were without their top three linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds (groin), T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) and Noah Sewell (elbow), making their health something to monitor before Sunday's game between division leaders.

Linebacker injuries an area of concern for Chicago Bears in Week 12 versus Pittsburgh Steelers

Chicago's depth at linebacker will be tested if the trio can't play. D'Marco Jackson, Amen Ogbongbemiga and rookie fourth-rounder Ruben Hyppolite II are the only healthy linebackers on the active roster. They've combined to play 50 defensive snaps this season. Nine-year veteran Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Carl Jones Jr., a 2024 undrafted free agent, could be in line to move up from the practice squad.

Edwards has missed Chicago's past two games after undergoing hand surgery, but the team declined to put him on injured reserve, avoiding a mandatory four-game absence. Sewell, who previously missed Week 7 with a concussion, has started in Edwards' place and led the team in tackles against the Minnesota Vikings (4-6) in Week 11. Edmunds has made 34 consecutive starts dating back to Nov. 19, 2023 and is having an All-Pro-caliber season, leading the team with 89 tackles while adding four interceptions, a sack and nine passes defended.

The Steelers have their own injury concerns with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) uncertain to play on Sunday, though it remains a possibility after he was determined not to need surgery.

"This might go right up until Friday or Saturday," ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano wrote about a potential timeline for a decision on Rodgers' availability.

The Bears have been tormented by Rodgers throughout his 18-year career. The longtime Packers quarterback (2005-22) is 11-3 all-time at Soldier Field, including 10-1 in his last 11 starts. He's won four in a row dating back to 2019.

If Rodgers plays, Chicago could have a much more difficult time stopping the Steelers offense considering the state of its linebackers. The Bears may need a magical elixir to get back to full health in time for the pivotal showdown. With only a one-game lead in the NFC North, every game counts for Chicago. But it could be severely undermanned if its top three linebackers are forced to watch from the sideline.