The Chicago Bears’ elite cornerback Jaylon Johnson first suffered a groin injury while working out during the offseason, costing him most of training camp and Week 1. He made his regular-season debut in Week 2 but aggravated it in the same game. The Bears placed Johnson on injured reserve ahead of Week 3, sidelining him for the previous eight games.
Also Read: Chicago Bears: Elite Playmaker to Make Season Debut in Week 2
Johnson returned to practice on Friday last week but ultimately sat out Week 11. He was limited on Wednesday, upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday, and was officially questionable for Week 12.
Chicago Bears update 2x-Pro Bowlers status
Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson
Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bears will not activate Jaylon Johnson before Saturday’s 3:00 p.m. CT. deadline. Therefore, the two-time Pro Bowl corner will remain on injured reserve and will not play against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fowler also notes that the team is hopeful Johnson will be available for the Black Friday game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bears defensive backs Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson – both questionable for Sunday vs. Pittsburgh – won’t be activated this week, per sources.
But the team is hopeful that both could come off IR for next week against Philly if all goes well.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 22, 2025
The Chicago Bears also updated their star nickel’s Week 12 status
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Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) takes the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Kyler Gordon has missed the previous four games with a calf injury after already missing the first four games due to hamstring issues. The standout slot cornerback was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, then upgraded to a full participant on Friday, and was listed as questionable. Gordon will not be activated before the deadline and will remain on injured reserve, though the team is hopeful he will play on Black Friday.
Meanwhile, the Bears’ secondary must count on Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright on the outside and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the slot.
Also Read: Chicago Bears Suddenly Place $40 Million Defensive Standout on IR
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