LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards could be nearing a return as the Chicago defense regains a healthier form.
Edwards returned to practice Tuesday, his first work since suffering a right hand fracture in late October. He has missed the last four games while managing that and a hamstring injury.
The Bears didn't issue an injury report Tuesday, but head coach Ben Johnson expressed optimism regarding Edwards’ status. He indicated there hasn't been a setback.
“We're still going par for the course there with that,” Johnson said.
Edwards has been limited to just five games this season. He opened the season with a hamstring injury, which he aggravated in Chicago's loss at Detroit on Sept. 14. Edwards returned for the Bears' win against the Commanders on Oct. 13 and played four games before being injured again.
Edwards wasn't placed on injured reserve following his hand fracture. The Bears were initially hopeful he could return within a four-week timeframe. That didn't come to fruition.
The Bears have also dealt with injuries to linebackers Tremaine Edmunds (calf), Noah Sewell (elbow) and Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder). The team has turned to veterans D’Marco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga in their places.
Edmunds is eligible to be activated off injured reserve ahead of the Bears' game against the Packers on Dec. 20.
“We feel really good about the two guys that have been filling in in the meantime,” Johnson said. “Both Amen and D-Jack have played really good ball for us, so we'll see who's up and who looks good here this week, and to what extent we can find a role for (Edwards).”
The Bears will issue their first injury report Wednesday, though it will come on an off day for the players. That injury report will be an estimate.
The Bears (9-3) take on the rival Packers (8-3-1) on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT from Lambeau Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.