Bears CB Jaylon Johnson Gets Exciting Update on Return
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Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The Chicago Bears are still not precisely sure when they will have Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson back in their lineup, but there is new optimism about his return following the latest update from head coach Ben Johnson.
Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has been on injured reserve since September 20 after he suffered a groin injury in Week 2’s loss that forced him to undergo surgery.
Since his injury, though, the Bears have left the door open for him to potentially return to the field during the 2025 season, especially if they remain in the NFC playoff hunt.
Ben Johnson also said Wednesday that his top cornerback is “hopeful” that he will be ready to return to practice “soon” as they start preparing for Week 11’s next game.
“We should be able to get them back at some point end of the season here, but kind of too be determined on when those clocks will start clicking here,” Johnson said when asked for updates on the return timelines for both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
“I just saw Jaylon in the weight room. He’s excited about where he is right now and is hopeful that he’s gonna be able to be out on the practice field here soon.”
Trainer’s IG Post Sparks More Jaylon Johnson Intrigue
While Ben Johnson’s indication that Jaylon Johnson could start practicing again soon is the biggest update on the 26-year-old cornerback in months, it was not the only sign in the past few days that one of the Bears defense’s biggest stars is nearing his return.
On November 11, one of Johnson’s rehabilitation specialists shared a video of the Bears cornerback going through a workout to his Instagram account (@footdoctor_moe) and teased his forthcoming return with the caption: “They said Jaylon Johnson was out indefinitely, nahhhhhhh,” accompanied by a lightning emoji and a saluting emoji.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson continues to push for a return this season. He was seen putting in some work with the caption:
“They said Jaylon Johnson was out indefinitely, nahhhhh ⚡️🫡”
Could he be making a return sooner than we think? 👀
📸: footdoctor_moe via IG Story
Johnson has several more hurdles he must still clear before he is ready to return for the Bears. The team still hasn’t designated him for return to practice, the first step toward activation that will give him 21 days to ramp up in practice. Then, once he is ready, they must clear a spot for him on the 53-man roster and activate him off injured reserve.
Even still, any progress is good progress for one of the Bears’ best and brightest.
Kyler Gordon Remains on Short-Term IR Trajectory
Ben Johnson also offered more reassurance about another one of the Bears’ injured cornerbacks, Gordon, when speaking with reporters ahead of Wednesday’s practice.
Gordon, the Bears’ top slot cornerback, landed on injured reserve on October 25 due to a soft-tissue injury that the team listed as a “groin/calf” on the injury report before his deactivation from the 53-man roster. At the time of his injury, though, Johnson said he believed Gordon’s injury was of the “short-term variety” and that he would return.
That thinking, Johnson said this week, has not changed.
“We’re still thinking that,” Johnson confirmed Wednesday, “so I can’t tell you exactly when, but hopefully in the near future here.”
Gordon must still spend at least one more week on injured reserve, but he will become eligible for activation ahead of Week 12’s home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Bears designate him for return next week, they will have 21 days to activate him — which could make Week 14 or Week 15 a more realistic return date for him.
The Bears (6-3) will next face the Minnesota Vikings (4-5) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Why Aidan Hutchinson expects Lions-Eagles to be ‘college football-esque’
The Detroit Lions are working toward a potential Super Bowl run in 2025. Detroit is riding high after a dominating win over the Washington Commanders in Week 10. However, they say that to be the man, you have to beat the man. In Week 11, the man comes around as the Lions take on the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football.
Star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has never played in Philadelphia. He has faced the Eagles once in his career. As a matter of fact, that game was his NFL debut, a loss at home to Philadelphia. Hitting the road for this matchup, Detroit’s defensive star cannot wait to experience the atmosphere in the City of Brotherly Love.
“You get in those college football-esque games that really bring that love of the game back. Not that it’s ever gone. But like, you’re out there, you’re 18 years old, you’re in college. Fans are screaming, people care about the tradition. That, to me, it really invigorates my soul,” Hutchinson said, via Lions beat reporter Eric Woodyard.
The Lions have had some stumbles this year, especially on offense. However, they hope those offensive woes are now behind them. Head coach Dan Campbell took over playcalling last week against Washington. And the Lions proceeded to score 44 points, their most since Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Eagles are also experiencing some issues offensively of their own. Jalen Hurts and company have won each of their last three games. However, they have the 10th fewest yards per game on offense this year. They managed just 10 points in an ugly 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday.
Despite any struggles, this is still a matchup of potential Super Bowl contenders. There’s a non-zero chance this could be a preview of the NFC Championship Game. Hutchinson certainly is not the only one looking forward to Sunday night’s contest.
