Turf Show Times
The Chicago Bears sent their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, home packing with a wildcard win. The victory came with a hefty price tag as the Bears lost two key starters in LB TJ Edwards and LT Ozzy Trapilo.
These two injuries will loom large when Chicago hosts the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Bears are 3.5-point underdogs. The Rams come in with a roster more well-versed in the playoff environment and years ahead in their roster build.
Let’s take these key injuries one at a tine. In the aggregate they significantly change the outlook for Chicago.
Trapilo was a second round pick in last year’s draft. He’s good for a rookie but not necessarily a good player in comparison to his peers starting at left tackle. Still, the rookie is clearly better than the Bears’ alternatives.
Chicago activated their former long-term LT Braxton Jones from injured reserve. The team seemed inclined enough to draft his replacement early and give him every opportunity to start over the veteran. Now they turn to Jones in their most important game of the year.
The Bears also have second-year UDFA Theo Benedet to consider in replacement. He filled in for Trapilo against the Packers. Jones should get the first nod since he has an edge in terms of experience.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) data:
PFF position rankings – out of 132 tackles in 2025
The Rams pose a unique challenge for the Bears and whoever starts at left tackle.
Jared Verse ranks fifth among all EDGE rushers with 87 pressures, including the playoffs. The second-year defender has notched eight sacks. Byron Young isn’t far behind at 11th with 72 pressures and 13 sacks. This is a duo that can get after opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the passing game.
Young single handily derailed the Carolina Panthers’ comeback attempt in the wildcard game’s final moments when LA was protecting a three-point lead. He hurried Bryce Young on the first three plays and force throws that had zero chance of being completed.
The Rams will need Young and Verse to apply consistent pressure to help LA’s struggling corners. If they cannot be disruptive, it could be a long day with Caleb Williams and his very talented group of pass catchers.
Edwards left the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2022 season to sign in Chicago. The Bears rewarded his first two seasons of play this offseason with a two-year, $20M contract extension.
The 2025 season for the veteran has been...
