The Chicago Bears could have both of their top cornerbacks on the field together for the first time this season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday.
The Bears officially listed cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf) as full participants in November 25’s walkthrough on their initial injury report for Week 13’s game against the Eagles, a sign that both are nearing return from injured reserve.
Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler, has not played since suffering an injury in Week 2’s loss to the Detroit Lions and undergoing a subsequent core-muscle surgery, but he has been practicing again since November 14 when the Bears opened his 21-day activation window. He has also now participated fully in three consecutive practices.
Meanwhile, Gordon has logged two full practices — counting Tuesday’s walkthrough — since the Bears designated him for return on November 19 ahead of their Week 12 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has not played since Week 7’s road game.
The Bears can still take more time, if necessary, to activate their cornerbacks before their respective practice windows close. Still, Johnson’s and Gordon’s full participation at practice is an encouraging sign for their availability against the Eagles in Week 13.
The Bears (8-3) will take on the Eagles (8-3) at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, November 28.
Jaylon Johnson Can Help Steady Bears’ Secondary
The Bears have impressed in some regards on defense throughout their 8-3 start under new coordinator Dennis Allen. They lead the NFL in takeaways (24) and total turnover differential (+16), thanks to their third-fewest eight giveaways. They have also managed to bend without breaking while relying on backups in several spots, including at corner.
If the Bears want to survive their grueling final six-game stretch and hang onto their lead in the NFC North, though, they will need to tighten up their defense in terms of both passing yards and rushing yards allowed — and Johnson should help with that.
Johnson is one of the most consistent coverage cornerbacks in the league and should provide boons in both areas on defense when he rejoins the lineup. While the numbers have not always been there for him in terms of interceptions, he has excellent instincts in coverage that should only shine brighter in Allen’s aggressive-minded defense.
Johnson’s return to the perimeter can also free up other defensive backs to take more shots at the line of scrimmage. While C.J. Gardner-Johnson has done well attacking the line of scrimmage in Gordon’s nickel role during his absence, the Bears could also start using Nahshon Wright — who has a league-high five interceptions — similarly.
Chicago’s Not Out of the Woods Yet With CB Injuries
While Johnson and Gordon could both return to the 53-man roster before this week’s game against the Eagles, the Bears are not free and clear of cornerback injuries yet.
The initial injury report for Week 13’s matchup also listed starting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson as a non-participant because of a hip injury. He spent most of Week 12 as a limited participant in practice with both hip and calf injuries and seemed to aggravate his hip injury in the win over the Steelers, exiting in the first half and not returning.
The Bears would be in a much better position to withstand the loss of Stevenson if they could get Johnson and Gordon — or even just one of them — back in the lineup against the Eagles. Even still, Stevenson’s new injury adds more concern for the secondary.
The Bears also listed five others as “DNPs” for their walkthrough: linebackers T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), Noah Sewell (elbow) and Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), guard Luke Newman (foot) and defensive end Dominique Robinson (concussion).
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