The Chicago Bears will be without three key defensive players for their high-stakes NFL 2026 Wild Card Round showdown against arch-rivals the Green Bay Packers. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, defensive lineman Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga have all been officially ruled out for the Saturday night playoff clash.
Bears vs Packers: Major Absences for Crucial Playoff Duel
The Bears' defensive unit faces a significant challenge with the confirmed absences. All three ruled-out players – Gardner-Johnson, Tryon-Shoyinka, and Ogbongbemiga – are sidelined due to concussion protocols. This triple blow weakens Chicago's defense ahead of one of the NFL's most historic rivalries being renewed in the postseason.
Further compounding the Bears' concerns, cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin) and offensive tackle Braxton Jones (knee) are listed as questionable. Their game-time decisions will be crucial for the team's final strategy. On a positive note, key offensive weapons like wide receivers D.J. Moore (knee) and Rome Odunze (foot) were full participants in practice and are expected to play.
Packers' Injury Situation Ahead of Soldier Field Trip
The Green Bay Packers enter the contest with a slightly healthier roster. Their only confirmed absence is wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, who is also out with a concussion. However, the Packers have five players carrying a questionable tag, introducing an element of uncertainty.
The most notable name on the Packers' questionable list is backup quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder). The other players fighting for fitness are safety Javon Bullard (knee), defensive lineman Warren Brinson (foot), linebacker Nick Niemann (pectoral), and offensive lineman Zach Tom (back). The status of these players will be closely monitored until kickoff.
Game Details and Other Wild Card Matchup News
The NFC North rivals will battle it out at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 8 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, with local coverage on WFLD (Chicago), WGBA (Green Bay), and WITI (Milwaukee).
In other Wild Card Round news, the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 1 PM ET at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars have only offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen (knee) listed as questionable. The Bills, however, have significant injury concerns. Linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf), safety Damar Hamlin (pectoral), and cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) are ruled out. Four Bills players, including running back Ty Johnson and kicker Matt Prater, are questionable.
The injury reports have set the stage for a tense and unpredictable start to the NFL 2026 playoffs. The Bears will need their depth to step up against a Packers team looking to capitalise on their opponent's defensive vulnerabilities in this win-or-go-home scenario.
