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The Chicago Bears are gearing up for what could be one of the toughest challenges of the entire season: a do-or-die NFC Divisional Round playoff showdown against the Los Angeles Rams (No. 5 seed, fresh off a 34-31 Wild Card win over the Panthers). Chicago (No. 2 seed, 11-6 record after a thrilling 31-27 comeback win over the Packers) hosts the game this Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Soldier Field, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC.
The Bears are preparing amid several key defensive injuries that could impact their secondary and linebacker corps heading into this high-stakes playoff matchup against Matthew Stafford and the NFL's top-scoring offense (30.5 points per game, 394.6 total yards per game).
Another recurring injury plagues the Bears' secondary
It's a familiar and frustrating theme this season: groin injuries continue to plague the Bears' defensive backfield. Backup nickel corner and special teams contributor Nick McCloud is dealing with a groin issue and was the lone DNP (did not participate) during Wednesday's walkthrough. His status puts additional pressure on the slot corner rotation
On a more positive note, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a full participant after previously missing time in the concussion protocol. He could rotate in at nickel pending the status of Kyler Gordon. Gordon, along with Jaylon Johnson, D'Andre Swift, and Tremaine Edmunds, have all missed time this season due to groin injuries, with several landing on injured reserve.
Wednesday's light session also delivered good news on defense, as Amen Ogbongbemiga and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka-both recovering from concussions-were cleared for full participation. Tryon-Shoyinka has not played since the December 28 loss to the 49ers, while Ogbongbemiga could help fill the void left by T.J. Edwards' season-ending injury.
On offense, wide receivers DJ Moore (knee) and Rome Odunze (foot) remain limited participants, a key storyline as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams prepares for his biggest test yet against the Rams' pass rush.
For Los Angeles, the injury report is relatively clean. Matthew Stafford practiced fully despite a finger issue, while only Kevin Dotson (ankle) and Poona Ford (elbow) were limited.
This Bears vs. Rams playoff clash sets up as a classic contrast of styles: Chicago's resilient, improving defense versus a high-powered Rams offense. If the Bears continue trending healthier-especially in the secondary-they'll have a legitimate chance to advance, but execution must be flawless against one of the NFL's most dangerous teams.