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Bears CB Kyler Gordon
As the Chicago Bears prepare for a critical playoff push, one name unexpectedly came up in conversation during a recent media session: Kyler Gordon.
While discussing the team’s improving defensive health, head coach Ben Johnson made a surprising but revealing comment: “It’d be great to get Kyler back potentially in the postseason as well.”
The nickel corner has been sidelined for most of the season, appearing in just three games, and is currently on short-term injured reserve, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season.
That comment carried more weight given the uncertainty surrounding C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who exited late with a knee injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday, but with questions still lingering, Gordon’s possible return carries added importance.
Why the Kyler Gordon Comment Was Surprising
GettyBears CB Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon was the very first player drafted by GM Ryan Poles in 2022 (selected 39th overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft) and recently signed a three year, $40 million extension. But his 2025 campaign has been, well… not what the Chicago Bears were hoping for.
The 25 year old cornerback has been dealing with hamstring, calf, and groin strains. Earlier this year, Johnson was candid, even blunt, about Gordon’s situation.
“It’s disappointing,” Johnson admitted. “I wish I had a better feel for the individual, but with him being out as much as he has, I haven’t really gotten to see him on the field and competing and get to know him like I’d like to at this point yet. The biggest predictor of a soft tissue injury is having a previous one, and he’s kind of in this rut right now that we’re not able to get out of.”
That makes Monday’s tone shift even more significant. Johnson didn’t frame Gordon as a long-term rehab project. He framed him as a possible postseason piece this year.
Why Gordon Could Be Crucial If Chicago Gets In
GettyBears CB Kyler Gordon
There’s also timing to consider. Johnson’s comment came as injuries continue to test the Bears’ secondary, including C.J. Gardner-Johnson being banged up. If CJGJ misses time (or isn’t at full strength) Gordon’s return would instantly stabilize the nickel role and give Chicago flexibility it hasn’t had all season.
Cause when healthy, Gordon is one of the Bears’ most versatile defensive backs. He can cover inside, blitz, tackle in space, and disguise coverage in ways Chicago simply can’t replicate with depth pieces.
That versatility is exactly what matters in the playoffs, where offenses hunt mismatches and force defenses to declare intentions early. And getting Gordon back would be huge for a cornerback room that’s struggled with countless injuries throughout the year such as Jaylon Johnson, Terell Smith, Zah Frazier (who missed the year for personal reasons), and more.
The Chicago Bears don’t need Kyler Gordon to reach the playoffs… They’re already there. But if Gordon is able to return (even in a limited role), he would give Chicago another coverage answer and another layer of adaptability in high-leverage moments.
At this stage of the season, those options matter. And for a Bears team shifting its focus from clinching to competing, Gordon’s potential availability could be huge news for a playoff push.
Garrett Klaus Garrett Klaus is a NFL contributor at Heavy.com, where he covers the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Carolina Panthers. More about Garrett Klaus
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