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Dennis Allen Has One Major Focus for Kyler Gordon as Bears CB Works Toward Return 1
The Chicago Bears finally have Kyler Gordon back on the practice field; however, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is not rushing the process. Gordon has missed the entire season, essentially, while dealing with a calf injury, and the Bears opened his 21-day practice window this week.
That puts Gordon on the path toward a return, with Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers the earliest he could play. However, for Allen, the next step is less about the exact date and more about ensuring Gordon is ready to play football again.
Dennis Allen Wants Kyler Gordon Healthy Before Bears Bring Him Back
Chicago Bears, Dennis AllenChicago Bears, Dennis Allen
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen speaks during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Gordon returned to practice on Wednesday after missing training camp and the preseason. He was a full participant, but Allen made it clear that the Bears still want to see him build his conditioning before putting him into a game.
The Bears have dealt with Gordon’s availability issues for much of his career, and his latest absence has kept one of their most important defensive backs sidelined. The Bears’ DC has remained confident in Gordon’s ability, though, and said the priority now is ensuring the corner stays healthy once he returns.
“I’ve got extreme confidence in what he can do when he’s on the field, that’s never wavered. The biggest thing for Kyler is being able to stay healthy, and that’s where our focus is. Once he gets into football shape and stays healthy, I see him getting back on the field and helping us win a lot of games.”
Dennis Allen on Confidence in Kyler Gordon:
"I've got extreme confidence in what he can do when he's on the field, that's never wavered. The biggest thing for Kyler is being able to stay healthy, and that's where our focus is. Once he gets into football shape and stays healthy,… pic.twitter.com/IY1HuhweJg
— Bears on Real (@BearsOnReal) October 4, 2026
Allen also said Gordon got some extra work during his first days back and looked good moving around. That part matters after the corner missed so much time. Even if Gordon is cleared to return soon, the Bears need to know that he can handle the physical demands of a game before giving him a major workload.
Gordon’s absence has forced the Bears to adjust in the slot. Rookie Malik Muhammad has received opportunities, while Cam Lewis has also moved around the secondary. Muhammad has shown enough to make the coaching staff comfortable with him, giving the Bears another option once Gordon is back.
That does not mean Gordon’s role has disappeared. Before injuries interrupted the past two seasons, he had established himself as one of the league’s better nickel defenders. His ability to cover, blitz, and play against the run gives Allen a different type of piece in the secondary.
The timing also gives the cornerback some room to work his way back. Because he began the season on the physically unable to perform list, he cannot return before the Bears’ Week 4 game against the New York Jets. If his ramp-up goes well, Green Bay becomes the first realistic target.
The bigger question is how quickly Gordon can get back to his old form. He has not played a full NFL season, and the Bears have already seen how much his absence can change their defensive options.