The Chicago Bears will ask a depleted front seven to slow Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson on Sunday, a task made harder by the absences of defensive ends Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo (quadriceps) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring). Chicago needs its emergency replacements to hold up after Green Bay exploited the defense last week; otherwise, the matchup could force an offense still awaiting a decision on quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) into a high-scoring game.
Locked On Bears host Lorin Cox argued that the matchup exposes Chicago at its weakest spot. The Bears will be without both starting defensive ends, with Sweat serving a two-game NFL suspension and Odeyingbo ruled out. Cox expects Chicago defensive linemen Austin Booker and James Lynch to receive larger roles, with Shemar Turner, Jamree Kromah, and Daniel Hardy also among the options to fill snaps against a Falcons offense built around Robinson and running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has pointed to the effort and training-camp work of the reserves as reasons for confidence. Cox questioned whether that faith is enough after the Bears allowed 31 points and several explosive plays in Green Bay. Atlanta also brings quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into the game, meaning Chicago cannot sell out indiscriminately to stop the run without creating opportunities in the passing game.
The injuries do not guarantee a breakdown, but they make the Bears’ margin for error far thinner. Booker has the most established production among the available edge options, while Turner is coming off the PUP list after a knee injury last season. Chicago will need its defensive front to preserve down-and-distance situations and prevent Robinson from turning the game into a workload-driven advantage for Atlanta.
Williams was a full participant Friday and is questionable for Sunday, and reports are the team is expecting him to play. But his availability will not erase the defensive burden. Cox also urged head coach Ben Johnson to lean more heavily on running back D’Andre Swift, particularly with Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) ruled out, to keep Atlanta’s offense off the field and reduce the pressure on a makeshift front seven.
Chicago’s immediate test is whether its replacement defenders can make Allen’s confidence look warranted. If they cannot control the run early, the Bears may need Williams to return from his hamstring injury and win a game that is trending away from their preferred formula.
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