Chicago Bears hit by major playoff injury blow as TJ Edwards, Ozzy Trapilo ruled out
The Chicago Bears' Wild Card victory over the Packers was marred by season-ending injuries to linebacker T.J. Edwards (fractured fibula) and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (patellar tendon). Both starters are out for the remainder of the postseason, forcing the Bears to rely on depth as they navigate the playoffs.
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The Chicago Bears’ dramatic Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers came at a heavy cost, with the franchise suffering a brutal injury setback that could define its playoff run. Linebacker T.J.
Edwards and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo have both been ruled out for the remainder of the postseason.The Bears pulled off an emotional comeback at Soldier Field, keeping their Super Bowl hopes alive. However, the celebrations were short-lived once head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that both starters suffered season-ending injuries during the game.
Injury setbacks rock Bears’ playoff hopes
Edwards, a key leader in the middle of Chicago’s defense, went down in the third quarter.
Medical evaluations later revealed a fractured fibula, an injury that immediately ended his postseason availability. Edwards had been one of the Bears’ most consistent performers all season, providing stability, communication, and physicality at linebacker.
Trapilo’s injury followed late in the fourth quarter, delivering another tough blow. The young offensive tackle exited with a patellar tendon injury, which Johnson described as serious enough to rule him out for the rest of the playoffs.
Trapilo had taken over the left tackle role late in the regular season and quickly became a crucial part of the offensive line rotation.
Bears turn to depth as pressure mounts
With Edwards sidelined, the responsibility now shifts to D’Marco Jackson, who stepped in after the injury against Green Bay. Jackson has shown flashes when given extended snaps and even earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors earlier in the season. Still, replacing Edwards’ experience and on-field leadership will be a major challenge in a high-stakes playoff environment.
On offense, Chicago must reshuffle its line to protect the quarterback against elite postseason defenses. Theo Benedet is expected to be the next man up at left tackle. The Bears also have Braxton Jones available after his return from injured reserve, but he has yet to see game action following a long absence, making his usage uncertain.
Chicago’s playoff run has been built on resilience, physical defense, and timely execution.
Losing two starters one on defense and one on offense tests that formula at the worst possible moment. While the Bears remain confident in their depth, there is no denying that Edwards and Trapilo leave significant gaps.As the Bears prepare for the divisional round, the focus now shifts from celebration to survival. January football rarely forgives injuries, and Chicago will need contributions from every corner of its roster to keep its postseason dream alive.Also Read: