Overview

• J.J. McCarthy makes his first NFL regular-season start Monday night for Minnesota against Chicago at Soldier Field.
• Chicago listed linebacker T.J. Edwards as a non-participant with a hamstring injury, and running back Roschon Johnson also did not practice because of a foot issue.
• Cornerback Jaylon Johnson returned to limited practice and remains a game-time decision as the Bears prepare to handle Justin Jefferson.
• Contingency plans include Noah Sewell taking snaps if Edwards sits and a possible practice-squad elevation for running back Brittain Brown, per local reports.
• The strategic subplot features Ben Johnson’s offensive debut against Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense, which added interior rushers Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.