Bears Linebacker T.J. Edwards and Cornerback Terell Smith Fully Cleared for 2026 Training Camp

The Chicago Bears are receiving a massive influx of defensive reinforcements just weeks before the start of 2026 training camp. After a 2025 campaign that was heavily marred by severe injuries to the defensive core, the team's medical staff has officially cleared veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards and third-year cornerback Terell Smith for full football activities. The return of these pivotal starters provides a major boost to head coach Ben Johnson's squad as they prepare to report to Halas Hall in late July.

Edwards, the heart and soul of the Bears' second level, is coming off the most physically taxing year of his career. The veteran linebacker battled hand and hamstring issues throughout the regular season before suffering a fractured fibula during Chicago's wild-card playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers in January. Initially feared to be a severe ankle sprain, the fracture immediately ended his postseason run and cast doubt on his availability for the 2026 summer program.

Now six months removed from the season-ending break, Edwards has aggressively attacked his rehabilitation and is expressing supreme confidence in his physical state. "I feel great. Working really hard every day," Edwards told reporters at the team facility. "Feel like I'm in a really good spot come summertime. I'll be ready to go out there with my teammates." Having recently signed a two-year contract extension, his presence is vital for a run defense that noticeably struggled during his absences last fall.

Edwards also noted that the grueling rehab process has only fueled his motivation. As a former undrafted free agent who has had to fight for every snap, the linebacker embraces the skepticism surrounding his return from a broken leg. "I've been doubted my entire career, and that's just fine with me," he remarked. "I feel like I thrive in that light, to be honest with you."

In the secondary, the Bears are welcoming back cornerback Terell Smith, whose 2025 season ended before it even began. During a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills last August, Smith suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee—a devastating injury that requires complete surgical reconstruction and extensive immobilization. After nearly a year of grueling physical therapy, Smith has officially declared himself 100 percent ready to compete.

A patellar tendon rupture is notoriously difficult for defensive backs to overcome, as the tissue is essential for the explosive jumping and sudden directional changes required in man coverage. Smith's clearance is a testament to his recovery regimen and provides defensive coordinator Dennis Allen with a crucial big-bodied corner who can play both outside and at safety. His return immediately deepens a secondary that was stretched dangerously thin last season.

Smith isn't the only cornerback bringing good news to Halas Hall. Pro Bowl defensive back Jaylon Johnson is also entering camp with a clean bill of health after a highly frustrating 2025. Johnson suffered a severe groin injury prior to last year's training camp, attempted to play through it in Week 2, and ultimately required mid-season surgery that sidelined him for nine games.

Although Johnson returned for the final stretch of the 2025 season, he was visibly playing at less than full capacity. Following a dedicated offseason of rest and targeted strengthening, Johnson looked sharp and explosive during mandatory minicamp in June. The Bears' coaching staff believes he is finally back to the elite form that earned him his lucrative contract extension.

The positive medical updates extend to the defensive trenches as well. Edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in early November, is remarkably ahead of schedule. Initially viewed as a candidate for the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Odeyingbo was already participating in full-team drills during OTAs, giving Chicago much-needed pass-rushing depth opposite Montez Sweat.[1]

While the defense celebrates its returning stars, the Bears are still managing a few long-term recoveries on the offensive side. Second-year left tackle Ozzy Trapilo continues to rehab his own patellar tendon tear suffered in the playoffs, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner remains sidelined following an ACL tear. However, with Edwards, Smith, Johnson, and Odeyingbo all back in the fold, Chicago's defense is poised to open training camp with the physical identity and veteran leadership it desperately missed last season.[2]