The Chicago Bears have wrapped their 2025 season, and it was one defined by close fourth-quarter finishes, thrilling victories and a litany of injuries to notable players.
The Bears had the most games missed due to injury this season (336), and that included some notable starters and reserves alike. The biggest injuries were cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, as well as linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, who all spent some time on injured reserve this season (in Gordon’s case, twice.) Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who was a big free-agent acquisition, missed most of the season after tearing his Achilles, and rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo was lost in the playoffs. But Chicago also dealt with some key depth being lost, most notably in the secondary with Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier, as well as rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner.
Heading into the 2026 offseason, general manager Ryan Poles provided some quick injury updates about recent injuries and older ones, indicating that most players are on track heading into this offseason.
CB Jaylon Johnson
It’s been a rough season for former All-Pro Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who battled two different groin injuries that sidelined him at times this season. While he did make a return late in the season, it was clear he wasn’t 100 percent, and you could tell he was improving as the postseason kicked into gear. But Poles noted that Johnson also suffered a “minor” wrist injury in the divisional playoff loss to the Rams, and it won’t require surgery.
LT Ozzy Trapilo
The Bears lost promising rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo to a torn patellar tendon during the team’s wild-card win over the Packers. Trapilo looked to have solved Chicago’s left tackle question, but now there are questions about his timetable for a return and how that impacts the Bears’ offseason plans. Poles didn’t go too much into that, but he did confirm that Trapilo had surgery to repair it. Poles said there is no specific time table for Trapilo’s return but noted it’s probably “deep into next year.” Season, not 2027.
LB T.J. Edwards
Linebacker T.J. Edwards, like Johnson, missed a good chunk of the season due to injury, and his season unfortunately ended the same way. Edwards suffered a fractured fibula during the Bears’ wild-card win over the Packers. Poles noted that Edwards is rehabbing for next season. The projected timeline would keep Edwards out for 4-6 months, and most of the offseason, but there’s a good chance he could be ready for the start of 2026. Still, you have to believe re-signing D’Marco Jackson, who filled in for him, will be a top priority this offseason.
LB Noah Sewell
The Bears dealt with injuries to their top three linebackers this season, and Noah Sewell’s season came to a brutal end after he tore his Achilles in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Poles said Sewell has had surgery, and there was no further update. Sewell was outplayed by D’Marco Jackson, who’s expected to be a target for an extension before hitting free agency this offseason, and could pass him up on the depth chart if he returns.
OL Jordan McFadden
With Trapilo out, the Bears kicked All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle against the Rams. In Thuney’s place, Chicago started Jordan McFadden at left guard, and he had a solid outing in the divisional playoffs. It’s even more impressive considering McFadden suffered an ankle injury during the game but played through it until the end, per Poles. McFadden is set to become a free agent this offseason, and you’d have to imagine he’s a candidate to return as key depth along the interior offensive line.
Other injury updates
The Bears have been without several notable players this season, be it before the 2025 season or for most of it — Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (injury), defensive tackle Shemar Turner (injury), cornerbacks Terell Smith (injury) and rookie Zah Frazier (injury) and offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (injury). Poles said all of those players are rehabbing for next season and heading in the right direction.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears GM Ryan Poles shares injury updates heading into 2026 offseason