The Chicago Bears have battled injuries all season, most notably to top cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. But head coach Ben Johnson had a reassuring update heading into the final stretch of the season.
Chicago’s head coach said he expects both Johnson and Gordon, who are on injured reserve with groin injuries, to return at some point this season. That’s big news for a 6-3 Bears squad who are contending for a playoff spot, and getting two of their best players back on defense would be a huge boost for a struggling defense.
Johnson suffered a groin injury before training camp, and he missed the entire summer before making his season debut in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. But he suffered a new groin injury in the first half, which required surgery. The hope is that Johnson would be able to return this season, and this latest update — coupled with Johnson’s latest Instagram post — is certainly reassuring for a December return.
Ben Johnson said that he’s seen his star cornerback in the weight room, and that Jaylon “is excited about where he is at” and is hoping to get back on the practice field in the near future.
Meanwhile, Gordon has battled multiple injuries this season. He missed the first four weeks with a hamstring injury suffered during the summer before sustaining a groin injury in Week 7 that landed him on IR. Gordon is eligible to return for a Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Ben Johnson still sounded confident in a short-term IR stint for Gordon.
Assuming both Johnson and Gordon return, it begs the question how defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will utilize his defensive backs. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was signed two weeks ago, has been impactful in the slot in Gordon’s absence. The expectation would be that Johnson and Gordon line up outside while Gardner-Johnson continues to play nickel.
It would be a huge improvement for a cornerback group currently led by Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright, who have struggled this season.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Ben Johnson saw Jaylon Johnson in the weight room today. Said Jaylon “is excited about where he is at” and is hopeful he will be back on the practice field in the near future. Ben added Jaylon’s return along with Kyler Gordon is still “to be determined.” Expects both back this year at some point.
Ben Johnson says he’s seen JaylonJohnson in the weight room. Told us Jaylon is excited with where he is right now in his recovery. Also, wouldn’t put a timetable on Kyler Gordon but they still believe it’s a short-term issue.
Ben Johnson still expects to get JaylonJohnson back this season and said he’s been in the weight room. Nothing has changed with Kyler Gordon. Still views it as a shorter IR stint. He’s eligible to return in Week 12 against PIT, but unclear if it will be that quick.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson provides updates on Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon
