T.J. Edwards Expected to Miss Week 1 -- Maybe More

What They're Saying

Bears Wire: "It'll most likely be third-year pro Noah Sewell, who was a summer standout, getting the start in Edwards' place. Head coach Ben Johnson was asked about fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite II seeing the field, and Johnson confirmed Hyppolite will see action on defense, as well as special teams. So it'll be Chicago's pair of young linebackers in Sewell and Hyppolite stepping up in Edwards' place."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Tremaine Edmunds got a boost in the Week 1 LB rankings Sunday, on the news of Edwards being doubtful. I'm not projecting either of the young replacements for this week, though.

First off, we don't know how much playing time either guy will get. Secondly, we have little data on which to base any production expectations.

Sewell has zero starts through two NFL seasons and has totaled just 13 tackles over 22 appearances. Hyppolite's a fourth-round rookie.

If you're holding Edwards, you should also make sure you have a Week 2 answer (at least). It's tough to expect that he goes from no practice for the past week and a half to ready for full Week 2 playing time.

We'll obviously keep watching Edwards' progress (or lack thereof).

Edwards' absence hurts Chicago's coverage in the middle of the field. Although Edwards' Pro Football Focus coverage grade sank last year, it still beat Edmunds' -- and he graded much stronger in that area each of the previous two seasons.

Avoiding Edwards should be at least mildly positive for Vikings RB Aaron Jones and TE T.J. Hockenson.