> **Rough Start**
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> Ben Johnson became [one of the hottest candidates to take over as an NFL head coach](https://archive.md/o/nNF0w/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2025/01/20/lions-offensive-coordinator-ben-johnson-agrees-to-become-bears-head-coach-per-report/) thanks to his outstanding work as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator over the past three seasons.
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> At 39, Johnson brings an energizing presence to a franchise that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2020, thanks to an expanded playoff format that year.
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> Johnson played a key role in building the Lions’ dynamic offense, and the expectation is that he’ll work his magic to help quarterback Caleb Williams become one of the league’s elite.
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> “Ben is a proven leader with a winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said when he introduced Johnson in January.
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> “When we spent time together on the Zoom call, he basically came to the screen and was like, ‘I want to be there. I want to help you guys win,” Poles added. “And that really separated him from everybody else.”
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> So far, Johnson’s NFL head coaching debut has been rocky, with losses in his first two games by a combined score of 79–45.
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> Johnson is the 18th full-time head coach in the franchise’s 106-year history.
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> **Injury concerns**
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> The Bears have several key players nursing injuries entering their matchup against the Cowboys.
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> Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) is listed as questionable, and his absence would be a significant blow to the Bears’ pass rush. The 11-year NFL veteran has recorded 36.5 career sacks.
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> This is his first season in Chicago after spending his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons.
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> Jarrett’s absence could give [Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott](https://archive.md/o/nNF0w/https://www.dallasnews.com/person/deb87805-eacd-7438-6d78-4db48f1f901b/dak-prescott/) a much more comfortable afternoon at Soldier Field.
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> Another injured Bears player is wide receiver Jahdae Walker (ankle), who is doubtful for Sunday’s game. His absence would limit Caleb Williams’ ability to launch vertical passing attacks.
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> Walker was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. He played his final two college seasons at Texas A&M (2023–24).
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> Cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) is another likely absence, leaving a noticeable gap in the Bears’ secondary. His absence could be well exploited by Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who’s poised for a productive outing.