Chicago Bears fans received encouraging news as the team activated cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon from injured reserve ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. The matchup features two teams with 8-3 records, taking place at Lincoln Financial Field.
Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has not played since Week 2 when he re-aggravated a groin injury that required core muscle surgery. The Bears initiated his 21-day return-to-practice window on November 14, and he has participated fully in practices since last week. His addition to the roster is a significant advantage for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who has been challenged to adjust his lineup throughout the season, particularly in recent weeks.
The timing of Johnson”s return is crucial, especially with Tyrique Stevenson ruled out due to a hip injury sustained during last Sunday”s victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stevenson did not practice this week after first feeling the injury during the win over Minnesota on November 16.
Kyle Gordon also makes his return after being sidelined for nine games due to a series of soft-tissue injuries that began in early August. His absence and the impressive play of C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the nickel role raise questions about the Bears” secondary alignment moving forward.
Johnson”s injury woes began in July, when he suffered groin and calf injuries during training. The team opted for caution, holding him out of the season opener before he returned on a limited snap count in Week 2, only to re-injure the groin and miss the following nine games. Gardner-Johnson expressed excitement about Johnson”s comeback, stating, “He”s one of the best corners in the league. I”m excited for him because everybody asks what can you do against a great receiving corps. And you have a chance to prove it, shut everybody up and get back active.”
The Eagles also face uncertainty with their wide receivers. DeVonta Smith, who leads the team with 55 receptions and 754 receiving yards, did not practice this week due to a combination of shoulder, chest, and illness issues. A.J. Brown, having had a standout performance against the Bears last season with nine catches for 181 yards, remains a crucial target for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
To accommodate the returns of Johnson and Gordon, the Bears placed rookie guard Luke Newman on injured reserve and waived running back Brittain Brown. Newman, a sixth-round draft choice, suffered a foot injury while filling in for right guard Jonah Jackson during the recent game.
With multiple linebacker injuries, including T.J. Edwards, Noah Sewell, and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, Allen will need to rely on D”Marco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga, who combined for 29 tackles last Sunday.
Defensive end Dominique Robinson remains in concussion protocol and has also been ruled out. On a positive note, left tackle Theo Benedet is back in full practice after missing last week due to a quadriceps injury, leaving the coaching staff with a decision to make regarding his status against the Eagles.
Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. and running backs Kyle Monangai and Travis Homer are not listed on the injury report and are expected to play. Additionally, the Bears elevated guard Jordan McFadden and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin from the practice squad to the game-day roster.
