Vikings’ Opponent Gets Some Bad News Ahead of Week 1

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Sep 7, 2025
A Chicago Bears fan in 2024 with a necklace
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Bears logo is seen lit up on a fan prior to a game between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are set to kick off their season on Monday night against the Chicago Bears.

Ahead of that game, both teams released three injury reports before giving injury designations for players on Saturday. Turns out, according to the Bears’ final injury report, a number of crucial players have their statuses up in the air ahead of Week 1.

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Vikings' Opponent
Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC defensive back Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears (1) catches the ball during the Satisfying Catch event at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Here is a look at the injury designations given on Saturday for the hurt Bears ahead of Monday night:

  • LB T.J. Edwards (Doubtful)
  • CB Jaylon Johnson (Questionable)
  • CB Josh Blackwell (Questionable)
  • RB Roschon Johnson (Questionable)

Then, on Sunday morning, CB Kyler Gordon was also added to the injury report due to a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.

The injuries on the defensive side of the ball are especially notable as it could mean the Vikings have a markedly easier time moving the football against a Bears defense that should be very solid this season.

T.J. Edwards has played a key role in Chicago’s improvements on that side of the ball, and if he is not able to suit up, Vikings star tight end T.J. Hockenson should be very impactful as a receiver.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) tackles Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports.

Edwards has never missed a game since joining the Bears in 2023, and he has been a force as a coverage linebacker, recording 10 passes defended and four interceptions over 34 games in a Bears uniform. He also emerged as a force in the backfield last season, totaling career highs in tackles for loss (12) and sacks (4.5).

As for Gordon and Johnson, the duo has helped hold down a Bears secondary that allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the NFL last season.

Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive year in 2024 after totaling eight passes defended and a pair of interceptions. If either of Gordon or Johnson miss the season opener, it could lead to more open space for savvy veteran receiver Adam Thielen to take some pressure off Justin Jefferson.

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) returns an interception as safety Eddie Jackson (4) looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The Bears and Vikings will kick off their seasons at 7:15 p.m. on Monday night at Soldier Field.

Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

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By Josh Frey
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To ... More about Josh Frey