LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) — Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards had just fractured his left fibula but didn’t want to leave Soldier Field. His team had just completed a thrilling 31-27 comeback win over the rival Packers in a wild-card round game on Jan. 10.

For all the pain Edwards felt and the frustration he endured with the significant injury setback, he didn’t want to leave the locker room. Edwards had experienced a difficult first two seasons in Chicago, and winning was the reward. A Chicago area native, he had long hoped to enjoy victories like this one.

“I got to celebrate with the guys and all that, hopping around, which was probably not what I should have been doing,” Edwards said Tuesday in reflecting on that night. “Just excited to be a part of it man, because in this city there’s nothing better than when the Bears are winning, right?

“We gave it all this year or this past year, to be in those type games and I’m just really, really happy to kind of see it all pay off and now it’s taking that next step.”

Edwards was thrilled to see Bears teammates back in Halas Hall on Monday as the team began its offseason program. He has been present at the team facility throughout the offseason while undergoing rehabilitation work. Often times, it has been a lonely feeling in an empty locker room.

But Edwards is now on the mend. He declined to offer an exact timetable for his return but did point to “summertime” as a goal.

“I will push as hard as I can to move it as quickly as possible,” Edwards said. “But I also want to be smart about it too.

“I’ll be ready when it’s time to go.”

Once he’s healthy, Edwards will return to a defense that will look different around him. In March, the Bears released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who had started alongside Edwards for three seasons. Chicago then re-signed linebacker Jack Sanborn after he spent one season in Dallas. The team also added linebacker Devin Bush on a three-year contract.

As for Edwards, the goal will be getting back to full health and making key contributions for his unit.

“I mean, I feel like there’s always been doubt,” Edwards said. “I’ve been doubted my entire career, and that’s just fine with me. And I feel like I thrive in that light to be honest with you.

“I know what I’m capable of. I know the player I am and what I bring to a team. So, really, the focus on me is just being the best teammate I can be when I get back on the field doing what I do.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.