The Chicago Bears are navigating the final eight games of the regular season with significant concerns in their secondary. Injuries have sidelined starters Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, creating voids in the defensive backfield that have forced the team to adjust its coverage schemes.
The absences have tested Chicago’s depth at cornerback throughout recent weeks. However, head coach Ben Johnson provided updates on both players during his Wednesday media session. He expressed optimism about their recoveries while acknowledging uncertainty about specific timelines for their returns to game action.
“We should be able to get them back at some point at the end of the season. But kinda to-be-determined on when those clocks will start ticking here,” Johnson said per Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs.
Ben Johnson was asked about the status of #Bears CBs Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon.
'We should be able to get them back at some point at the end of the season. But kinda to-be-determined on when those clocks will start ticking here.'
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 12, 2025
Johnson has been on injured reserve since Week 3 after suffering an injury during the Week 2 loss to the Detroit Lions that required surgery. That game represents his only appearance this season after missing training camp and the preseason with a groin issue.
The Bears have leaned on Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright as their starting cornerbacks in Johnson’s absence. The addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson has provided needed depth and production in the secondary.
Gardner-Johnson recorded two sacks and a critical forced fumble in Chicago’s recent 24-20 win against the New York Giants in Week 10. Gordon has missed his third consecutive game on injured reserve after sustaining groin and calf injuries during practice before the Week 8 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. He previously missed four games earlier this season due to a hamstring problem.
Johnson has indicated he believes Gordon’s current injury is short-term in nature. Gordon becomes eligible to return from injured reserve before Week 12, giving Chicago a 21-day window to activate him to the roster.
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