The Chicago Bears are ready to welcome the cavalry. They head into their Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, sporting an 8-3 record and sitting at the top of the standings. That will be put to the test, as the Eagles are flying high with their own 8-3 record. Luckily for Bears fans (and the team), they will get a few key members back into their lineup.
A new report indicates that Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon will be available to play on Black Friday against the Eagles.
Chicago Bears Get Key Defensive Players Back
A new report released on Thursday morning reveals that the Bears will activate two players off injured reserve before Friday’s pivotal game. NFL insider Ian Rapoport has reported that both Johnson and Gordon will be activated.
“Help is on the way: The #Bears are activating Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson and starting DB Kyler Gordon from IR in advance of Friday’s game vs. the #Eagles,” Rapoport revealed on social media earlier on Thursday, November 27, 2025. “Gordon has been dealing with groin and calf injuries, while Johnson had surgery to repair a core muscle.”
Rapoport provided more information in an NFL Game Day Morning clip, which he also posted on social media.
“Happy Thanksgiving to Jaylon Johnson, the star corner for the Chicago Bears, who has been out on IR since the beginning of the season,” Rapoport said in the clip. “(He) had core muscle surgery, and he has been waiting and waiting. His return is coming. He is going to be activated in advance of that game against the Eagles tomorrow.”
“A big boost coming for Chicago.”
Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon Have Been Progressing A Lot This Week
In the team’s injury report released on Wednesday, things were already looking optimistic. According to a post from the team’s communications department, both Johnson and Gordon were full participants in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Conversely, a Thursday injury report signals that their participation is not guaranteed on Friday. According to this post, both Gordon and Johnson are listed as “questionable” for Friday.
Johnson has been dealing with his injury since July. According to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times, “The two-time Pro Bowl player tore the adductor muscle off his pelvic bone while working out at UNLV in July. He hurt a different part of his groin in Week 2 and had surgery. The Bears brought him back to practice earlier this month.”
Additionally, Gordon has not played much this season, either. Finley reported that, “Gordon has played in only two games (this) year. He hurt his hamstring days before the Bears’ season opener and then was put on IR with a calf injury after the Saints game. He returned to practice a week ago.”
Ben Johnson Praises Defense Without Johnson & Gordon
Head Coach has turned heads in his rookie season. One of the standout features of the Johnson-led team is the defensive line’s performance without these key additions.
After their recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson praised a few players who stepped up.
“We had those linebackers step to the forefront and come through for us,” Johnson said to the press after the 31-28 victory over the Steelers. “Montez had a huge game and really impacted the outcome there. And then Shonny’s interception was one of the most athletic plays and phenomenal catches I’ve seen in a long time.”
“He’s really playing sound football, really run game and pass game included. That was good to see.”
The Bears’ Week 13 match against the Eagles will be broadcast on Prime Video at 3 PM EST.
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