Chicago Bears fans know very well the injury struggles Kyler Gordon has faced this season.
The nickel cornerback has played in three games this season after signing a three-year, $40 million extension with the franchise.
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His injury issues started before the season began, as he missed the first four games of the season with a hamstring injury. He then returned for two games before going on the injured reserve with a calf injury ahead of the Baltimore Ravens game in Week 8.
He came off the IR for the Philadelphia Eagles game and played. However, he suffered a groin injury in pregame warmups ahead of Sunday’s game with the Green Bay Packers and is out again.
At Wednesday’s press conference, head coach Ben Johnson was asked about a timeline for Gordon’s return. His answer was not very comforting, as he said that it was to be determined.
“To be determined. I haven’t heard over the last couple of days just the extent of it, but you know, coming out of that one, it didn’t look very good.” Johnson said.
When healthy, Gordon has been a reliable option in the Chicago secondary. While he has accounted for just seven total tackles in the three games he’s played in, he had a great start to his career.
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As a rookie, he accounted for three interceptions, 71 total tackles and two TFLs. As a whole, he has recorded 214 total tackles, five interceptions, and 10 TFLs.
Gordon’s injury means that fans will see more of C.J. Gardner-Johnson at nickel for the time being. He has already done a great job of holding things down with Gordon out.
Gardner-Johnson recorded his first interception as a member of the Bears on Sunday, even though Chicago lost 28-21. He now has 33 total tackles, four TFLs, one interception and one forced fumble.
Hopefully Gordon will be back in the lineup sooner rather than later, especially with some critical NFC matchups coming up soon. After facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, the Bears play the Packers again, followed by the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.
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The Bears are now the No. 7 seed following the loss to the Packers. Green Bay also leads the NFC North now.
The Browns are led by rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders under center. Sanders has 739 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. In his last game against the Tennessee Titans, he threw for 364 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Sunday’s game kicks off at noon CT on Fox.