However, the team has not been able to fully unleash their plan because starting linebacker T.J. Edwards started the year on the Non-football Injury list. After missing the first week or so of practice, Edwards has officially been removed from the NFI list, and he participated in Bears practice. T.J. Edwards has been activated off the Active/Non-Football Injury list — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 5, 2026Chicago Bears Linebacker Competition Fully Begins With TJ EdwardsNow that Edwards is back, there are a lot of questions about his role and fit within the defense. He is another player with stronger ties to Allen than Edwards does. If it is Edwards and Bush on the first team in nickel, Jackson will fall back to the second team.