Bears without their entire LB core: What does mean for Chicago’s defense in Week 12

The Chicago Bears have been humming along this season, now finding themselves at 7-3 and leading the NFC North.

Their defense has been bend-not-break, but has come up big when it counts, as they currently lead the NFL in interceptions (15) and total forced turnovers (22). 

They’ve done this all despite injuries throughout. Missing players like Austin Booker, Jaylon Johnson, and Kyler Gordon for a large portion of the season. 

While Booker is now back, Johnson may return in Week 12, and Gordon was just activated off IR, the Bears just got some concerning news for their matchup against the Steelers. 

More: What Jaylon Johnson's pending return means for Bears' defense

It will now take a complete game from the entire defense and a next man up mentality to slow down Pittsburgh on Sunday. 

Bears rule out Edmunds, Edwards, and Sewell

It was announced on Friday by the Chicago team that they have ruled out all three of their top linebackers. 

Three Bears’ starting LBs were ruled out for Sunday: Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards and Noah Sewell.

TJ Edwards has missed the majority of the season, but being down Tremaine Edmunds and Noah Sewell will be a tall task to overcome. 

Edmunds is currently tied for 2nd in the NFL in total interceptions this season (4). While Sewell has had his blemishes this season, he’s second on the team in total tackles to Edmunds.

Both of their presences over the middle of the field will be sorely missed. 

Look for players like Ruben Hyppolite II, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and D'Marco Jackson to get a majority of the snaps this Sunday. 

More NFL News: 

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• Why Bears-Packers Week 14 matchup was flexed to 3:25 p.m. CT

• Ben Johnson hints at exciting role change for Bears WR Luther Burden III

• Bears offseason trade proposal nabs $160 million superstar in blockbuster deal

• Ben Johnson comments on Mike Tomlin prior to Week 12 matchup

• The Bears are about to get even more reinforcements