Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Chicago Bears Injury Concerns at Linebacker | Is Jaylon Johnson Ready to Play?

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: November 21, 2025
Podcast Network: 312 Sports

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Chicago Bears’ mounting injury issues at linebacker, the ambiguous status of cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and how these developments could impact the Bears' game plan against the Steelers. Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola mix sharp analysis with trademark humor, breaking down the real implications of the Bears’ injury report, the importance of the upcoming matchup, and how key players could (or couldn’t) step up. They also examine the broader context of Ben Johnson’s tenure as Chicago’s head coach and engage in rich banter about football, film, and fast food.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bears’ Injury Report: Concerns and Impacts

• Heavy Linebacker Losses:

  • Tremaine Edmonds did not practice (Wed/Thurs); TJ Edwards likely out; Noah Sewell listed with an elbow injury and didn’t practice.

    "When most of the beat reporters start saying maybe you're going to be without all your starting linebackers, then things get a little weird." – Matt (01:33)

  • Bears could be forced down the depth chart:
    • Likely starters include DeMarco Jackson, Amen Obong Bemiga, and Reuben Hippolyte II.
    • Recent signings and practice squad options: Carl Jones and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

• Jaylon Johnson’s Status:

  • Johnson had full participation in practice; Kyler Gordon was limited.
  • Hosts are skeptical Johnson will actually return for this game, suspecting gamesmanship on the injury report.

    "I just haven't heard anything to actually reasonably expect that after limited participation last week, all of a sudden he's like, ready to get out there and play." – Matt (03:41)

  • Consensus: Next realistic return date is after the Eagles game, possibly vs. Green Bay (Dec. 7).

• Practice Designations are Vague:

  • The hosts note that ‘full’ and ‘limited’ participation are often loosely defined by teams and can be misleading (04:44).

2. Steelers Matchup Analysis: X-Factors and Tactical Worries

• Heightened Risk in Coverage:
  • With so many linebackers out, short and intermediate areas become vulnerable to tight ends and play-action.

    "I don't like the idea of Aaron Rodgers and these dangerous tight ends working the short and intermediate areas... with some inexperienced or lesser pursuers." – Matt (02:42)

• Tight End Threats:
  • Smith, Washington, and Friermuth present mismatches, especially with Darnell Washington described as “a vending machine” and “a monster” at ~6’7", 320 pounds (07:36–07:57).

    "He runs people over like they're children." – Dan (07:36)
    "It's like tackling a van." – Matt (08:19)

• Defensive Adjustments:
  • The Bears may have to move defensive backs like C.J. Gardner-Johnson into more linebacker-like roles if injuries persist (19:23).

    "If, in fact, there's... the unlikely possibility that Kyler Gordon is out there, then you know that C.J. Gardner Johnson will be a 'linebacker' somewhere." – Matt (19:23)

3. Offensive Urgency & Ben Johnson’s Scheme

• Offense Must Step Up:
  • With defensive absences, more pressure is on the offense to deliver a high output—especially for QB Caleb Williams and play-caller Ben Johnson.

    "The offense needs to have one of their better games this season. They need to produce." – Dan (09:02)

• Emphasis on Explosive Plays:
  • Ben Johnson’s philosophy centers on chunk yardage vs. methodical progression.

    "Ben Johnson wants those 10 plus yard runs. He wants those 20 plus yard receptions... he sets things up deliberately to afford those explosive play opportunities." – Dan (11:38, 11:46)

• Early Scripted Drives as a Barometer:
  • How the Bears' first two offensive drives unfold will be highly indicative of their preparation level.

    "It's going to show a lot of how well prepared Caleb Williams is to deal with the pressure that's going to come from the defense." – Dan (13:49)

4. Steelers’ Injury Update & Quarterback Situation

• Steelers Updates:

  • Aaron Rodgers: Limited;
  • Jalen Warren: Upgraded to limited;
  • Cole Holcomb: Illness;
  • TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward among notable names (18:35)

• Preparing for Rodgers or Rudolph:

  • Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on planning for uncertainty at QB:

    "You're studying... the scheme and yet you understand how each quarterback likes to operate." – Dennis Allen (20:58)

• Rodgers as the Perennial Villain:

  • Rodgers reflects on his “villain” status in Chicago, expressing nostalgia and fake modesty about letting bygones be bygones:

    "I'd rather not be. I mean, I'm not in Green Bay anymore. I feel like we can let bygones be bygones. Maybe I can. I guess... it's been a great rivalry." – Aaron Rodgers (28:56)

  • Both Dan and Matt lampoon Rodgers’ image with humor:

    "He's just such a complete rope job, this guy." – Matt (29:55)

5. Locker Room Dynamics and Rodgers’ Persona

• Quarterback Room Banter:
  • Mason Rudolph hesitantly jokes about Rodgers, citing ayahuasca trips and "plant medicine" stories but dances around candid specifics.

    "He's a big plant medicine guy." – Mason Rudolph (32:32) "There's no banter... no fun and horseplay. They play jokes in each other. And I don't buy it for one second." – Dan (33:56, paraphrased)

• Rodgers as Aloof:
  • Both hosts scoff at the idea of Rodgers being an 'everyman', arguing he's always been “weird” and apart from teammates (35:41+).

6. Tremaine Edmonds’ Position Switch

• Position Change Impact:
  • Edmonds moved from Mike to Will linebacker, freeing him up for more playmaking and reducing on-field responsibilities.

    "His skill set fits that position in terms of the things that we ask that position to do... You’re able to kind of take a little bit of that off his plate." – Dennis Allen (22:24)

  • The switch is viewed positively, counter to old comps of Edmonds to Brian Urlacher (23:48).

7. Historical Perspective: Best Bears' Coaching Starts

• Ben Johnson’s Place in Bears Lore:
  • After 10 games, Johnson is tied for the second-best record (7–3) for a first-year Bears coach in the Super Bowl era, trailing Matt Nagy's 2018 start.

    "It's the second time it's ever happened... in a 16 game schedule." – Dan (39:20)

• Significance of Potential Winning Streaks:
  • Bears could have their second four-game winning streak of the season, a rarity in recent franchise history (40:39-41:59).

8. Special Teams: Return Game Banter

• Chicago's Kick Return Dynamics:
  • Discussion of a notable 56-yard kick return, with banter about special teams coaches downplaying or hyping its difficulty (25:36–27:45).

    "Anytime it's time on the clock, don't give us a chance. That's what we know." – Richard Hightower (26:36)

9. Classic Football & Film Banter

• Side digression about “The Longest Yard," "Remember the Titans," fast food, and nostalgia, peppering the conversation with lightness and inside jokes (16:18–17:44).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Linebacker Crisis:

  "If you're missing Sewell Edwards and Edmonds... you have DeMarco Jackson. You have the recently returned Amen Obong Bemiga. And you have the fast but undisciplined Reuben Hippolyte II."
  – Matt Abbatacola (05:14)

• On Darnell Washington:

  "He runs people over like they're children." – Dan Bernstein (07:36)
  "He is a vending machine." – Matt Abbatacola (07:39)

• On Ben Johnson's Offense:

  "He sets things up deliberately to afford those explosive play opportunities and Caleb Williams needs to take advantage of it when they're there in the passing game."
  – Dan Bernstein (11:46)

• On Rodgers’ Persona:

  "There's zero chance that he has any kind of a personal relationship with anybody in that team... He's a complete and total weirdo."
  – Dan Bernstein (35:22, 35:41)

• On Bears' Potential:

  "If you want respect... This would be a good opportunity for you to put your name on the board. As far as the NFL Blob's concerned of this team is for real."
  – Dan Bernstein (15:08)

• On Special Teams Philosophy:

  "He used a phrase, and I love catching up on these, these phrases from these coaches. He said that they didn't blink." – Dan Bernstein on Richard Hightower (27:24)

Important Timestamps

• Injury Overview & Linebacker Concerns: 01:28–06:55
• Jaylon Johnson Status Discussion: 03:27–04:45
• Steelers Matchup Analysis & Tight Ends: 07:10–08:32
• Ben Johnson’s Offensive Philosophy: 09:02–11:46
• Impact of Defensive Injuries on Game Plan: 12:40–14:59
• Injury Report Rundown (Steelers & Bears): 18:35–19:17
• Dennis Allen Interview (preparing for Rodgers; Tremaine Edmonds’ position): 20:50–24:34
• Rodgers Persona & Locker Room Banter: 28:52–36:10
• Bears Coaching History & Current Streaks: 37:03–42:23
• Special Teams & Return Game: 25:36–27:45

Tone & Style

• Conversational, Insightful, and Humorous: The hosts balance critical football analysis with humor, cultural references, and Chicago football passion.
• Authentic Fan Perspective: Their banter reflects the voice of true, long-suffering (but hopeful) Bears fans, mixing frustration with optimism.

This summary captures the essential content and flavor of the episode, ensuring even those who missed the podcast feel prepared for the Bears’ critical week ahead.