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INJURY UPDATE: Three Key Bears Starters Miss Wednesday Practice With Significant Injuries — Head Coach Ben Johnson Activates Two Stars Ahead of Showdown With Packers

Chicago, Illinois – December 4, 2025

The Chicago Bears sit atop the NFC at 9-3, but their hold on the conference’s No. 1 seed grew shakier on Wednesday. What was supposed to be a routine mid-week session instead delivered a gut punch: three major starters were absent due to significant injuries, casting doubt over Chicago’s readiness for its biggest game of the season against the Green Bay Packers.

The troubling DNP list featured:

  • WR Rome Odunze (foot)

  • RB Kyle Monangai (ankle)

  • CB Tyrique Stevenson (hip)

  • Odunze’s foot issue threatens his ability to separate in Ben Johnson’s timing-based passing scheme. Monangai — central to Chicago’s top-two rushing attack — still cannot put full weight on his injured ankle. Stevenson, in the middle of a breakout year, now faces a hip problem days before the Bears must defend one of the NFL’s most explosive passing offenses.

    Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

    Yet amid the uncertainty, Johnson delivered a much-needed spark by activating two defensive stars who had missed the past two weeks:

    • LB T.J. Edwards

  • LB Noah Sewell

  • Both returned to the field with encouraging movement, immediately lifting the defense as Chicago prepares to contain Jordan Love, who has been playing at an MVP-level pace.

    Asked about navigating a week shaped by both setbacks and returns, Johnson offered a statement that instantly framed Chicago’s mindset heading into Week 14:

    “You never get to choose when adversity hits — it always shows up when you least expect it. But you can choose how you stand up to it. And the guys who came back today… they reminded this entire team that we’re not just controlling our destiny, we’re capable of writing a chapter people didn’t think we could write.”

    With Odunze, Monangai, and Stevenson all in jeopardy of missing Sunday, the Bears will rely heavily on roster depth, Johnson’s adaptability, and the poise of Caleb Williams.

    Bears–Packers has always been historic. But this year, it may define the entire NFC. Chicago enters wounded — but determined to prove the story isn’t finished yet.

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    Packers QB Jordan Love Shares Bold Super Bowl Prediction Despite Team’s Struggles
    Green Bay, Wisconsin – December 12, 2025 The Green Bay Packers may be sitting at 9-3-1 and leading the NFC North, but for quarterback Jordan Love, standings alone are not enough to quiet the noise. In a season defined by soaring highs, frustrating lows, and growing anxiety from the fanbase, Love has delivered a message louder than any outside criticism: he still believes this Packers team can reach the Super Bowl. Despite Green Bay clinching a playoff spot for the third consecutive year and entering Week 15 as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, Love refuses to let the team grow comfortable. The Packers’ recent pattern — dominant wins followed by costly mistakes and close games — has fueled skepticism among analysts and fans, especially with a brutal schedule featuring the Seahawks, Saints, and Vikings. But Love’s confidence has not wavered. “Our goal is still the Super Bowl — nothing about that has changed,” Love told reporters this week.“We’ve built something strong here. We kept our core together, we added talent, and we know what we’re capable of. But potential means nothing if you don’t show it every single week.” Packers Lead NFC North, But Concerns Persist At 9-3-1, the Packers hold a slim lead over the Lions and remain one game behind the 10-3 Bears in the NFC race. On paper, Green Bay is one of the most complete teams in football: Top-5 passing offense (over 4,200 yards, 36 TD from Love) Top-10 defense in sacks + takeaways 26.5 points per game, 6th in NFL Clinched playoff spot early, despite midseason turbulence But the inconsistencies have been impossible to ignore. The Packers tied Detroit 20–20, lost a close one to Tampa Bay, and needed a late Love touchdown drive to escape the Bears 27–24. ESPN described the team as "great one week, unpredictable the next." Love acknowledged the issue:“We’ve shown we can beat anybody — but also that we can let teams hang around. To win it all, we have to be complete. Four quarters, every week.” Injuries & Run Game Struggles Add Pressure Running back Josh Jacobs — the marquee offseason signing — has battled injuries and inconsistency, managing just 650 yards and three fumbles this season. His physical style has drawn praise for toughness, but criticism for durability. Meanwhile, the defense has been gashed on the ground in recent weeks, allowing 150+ rushing yards per game in the last month. Key injuries include: RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) – questionable CB Jaire Alexander (knee) – out indefinitely WR Christian Watson (hamstring) – limited The inconsistencies have left fans questioning whether the team can survive playoff-caliber opponents. Love’s Leadership Anchors Packers’ Playoff Push Even with adversity, Jordan Love is playing the best football of his career: 68% completions, 105.2 passer rating, and a command of the offense that reminded many of vintage Green Bay seasons. But he has also been at the center of debate — especially after a two-interception outing versus Tampa Bay. Rival fans have mocked him as “boom-or-bust.” Packers fans defend him as “ascending into elite.” Love answered both sides: “I don’t listen to the noise. My job is to lead this team to where we believe we can go.” A Brutal Final Stretch Will Define the Packers’ Fate Green Bay’s next three opponents: Week 15: vs Seahawks (10-3) — potential battle for NFC No. 1 seed Week 16: at Saints — hostile road environment Week 17: vs Vikings — possible division decider If Green Bay wins two of the final three, they are likely to secure home-field advantage in the first playoff round — and potentially challenge Chicago for the conference crown. Experts Split on Packers’ Chances ESPN FPI gives Green Bay an 11% chance to win the NFC, placing them firmly in the contender tier — but trailing the Bears and Eagles. Some analysts argue the Packers’ offensive explosiveness makes them dangerous in January. Others say the defense and run game inconsistencies could doom them early. Fans online echo the same mixed feelings: “Super Bowl ceiling, Wild Card floor.” “Love is elite, but we need consistency.” “Packers feel one mistake away from heartbreak.” Despite the Noise, Jordan Love Isn’t Backing Down The Packers may be unpredictable — but their quarterback is not. With home-field advantage within reach and the league buzzing about NFC power shifts, Jordan Love has embraced the pressure and doubled down on his belief in this roster. “Everything we want is still in front of us,” Love said.“We’re not chasing perfection — we’re chasing a championship.” And with December football arriving in Green Bay, the rest of the NFL will soon find out whether that belief becomes reality.