3 Things T.J. Edwards Must Prove When He Returns From Injury

Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, photo by Jacob Funk Chicago Bearsb Funk/Chicago Bears

T.J. Edwards has been one of the Chicago Bears' most reliable defensive players since arriving in Chicago. But after missing time with injuries and beginning training camp on the Active/Non-Football Injury list, he'll have plenty to prove once he returns.

Edwards compiled 67 tackles, two for a loss. and half a sack. The prior season, Edwards had 129 tackles, 12 for a loss, and four sacks. Edwards being injured does not bode well for him, with the Bears signing Devin Bush and bringing back D'Marco Jackson. Edwards will have to come back with something to prove.

Questions Facing T.J. Edwards

Edwards Needs to be Healthy

The first thing he will need to prove is that he can stay healthy. Along with the calf injury, Edwards missed time last season with a fibula fracture. The calf injury should not be related to the leg injury, but with a soft tissue injury, he will need to make sure it heals properly.

When he returns, Edwards will need to show he can change direction, blitz effectively, and still has the burst to close on running backs and wide receivers in space. Edwards has never relied on elite athleticism. Instead, his game is built on instincts, anticipation, and taking efficient angles to the football. However, if his movement is even slightly compromised, it could affect his ability to beat blockers to the point of attack.

Remain a Good Tackler

One of Edwards' biggest strengths has always been consistency. He rarely misses tackles. Whether it's stopping a running back in the hole or limiting a receiver after a completion, Edwards consistently finishes plays. Chicago's defense is built around forcing offenses into long third downs. That only works if linebackers make tackles after short gains.

In his first season in Chicago, Edwards had 155 tackles, coming off a 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had 159 tackles. He will need to maintain strong tackling techniques and shed blocks. If he looks to once again become one of the Bears' most dependable tacklers, the defense immediately becomes more difficult to run against.

Hold Off Competition

One reality of the NFL is that injured players often see others take advantage of their absence. Early in camp, Jack Sanborn has been filling in as the MIKE linebacker for Edwards on the first team. However, the Bears' linebacker room has enough depth that extended absences can quickly create opportunities for others.

In addition to Edwards and Sanborn, the Bears have D'Marco Jackson and rookie Keyshaun Elliott. While Elliott is also currently out with an injury, Jackson is not. Last season, Jackson played the Mike spot while Edwards was out. During the first week of camp, Jackson was playing the weakside linebacker.

Edwards leadership, consistency, play-making ability, and communication will help him keep a leg up on the other players. Veteran players keep jobs by continuing to outperform younger options, not simply because of past accomplishments. It will be an interesting battle to say the least.

Outlook

Every practice Edwards misses allows someone else to impress the coaching staff. While Edwards remains the favorite to start once healthy, nothing is guaranteed. He'll need to demonstrate that he still offers the complete package. Edwards' return from injury will be about much more than checking a box on the injury report. It will be an opportunity to remind everyone why he has been one of the Bears' most valuable defensive players since arriving in Chicago.

He'll need to prove his calf injury is behind him, regain his role as the defense's on-field leader, continue to be one of the NFL's surest tacklers, adapt fully to Dennis Allen's scheme, and fend off competition from a deeper linebacker room. Most importantly, he must stay healthy throughout the season.