(670 The Score) The Bears are getting a significant boost for their defense against the rival Packers on Saturday evening.
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has been activated off injured reserve, putting him in line to play in the high-stakes game against the Packers.
Edmunds missed the last four games due to a groin injury. He has logged 89 combined tackles, four interceptions and a sack in 10 games this season. Veteran linebacker D’Marco Jackson has stepped in during Edmunds’ absence. Jackson was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week following a strong performance in the Bears' 31-3 win against the Browns on Sunday.
The Bears designated Edmunds for a return from injured reserve Monday, allowing him to practice this past week.
“He was playing tremendous football before the injury," Bears head coach Ben Johnson said of Edmunds. He's a huge asset in coverage, just because of how long he is, it's hard to get the ball around him when we're playing zones, and I think he's really good in our match and mans where he can match up on tight ends and running backs out of the backfield and do a really good job there.
“Tremaine could potentially really help us in that regard.”
In addition to activating Edmunds, the Bears also elevated receiver Maurice Alexander from the practice squad. He brings depth to that position with Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle) each ruled out of action for Saturday.
The Bears (10-4) and Packers (9-4-1) will kick off at 7:20 p.m. CT on Saturday from Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.