Latest Kyler Gordon injury update hints more frustration and uncertainty is expected with the Bears’ highly-paid defensive back
The Chicago Bears head coach noted things didn’t look very good.
The Chicago Bears suffered an unfortunate setback defensively ahead of last Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers when standout nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon was ruled out before kickoff after suffering a groin injury during warmups.
After the game, Bears head coach Ben Johnson said the initial belief was that Gordon suffered a strain in his groin and the Bears wanted to play it safe by not putting him out there in Week 14’s loss. But, on Wednesday, Johnson’s update on the extent of Gordon’s injury wasn’t very optimistic.
“To be determined,” Johnson shared when asked if Gordon will return this season. “I haven’t heard over the last couple of days, just the extent of it. You know, coming out of that one, it didn’t look very good.”
Saying Gordon isn’t able to return this season with four regular season games remaining, plus the potential of extending the season with a playoff opportunity, the team’s recently extended defensive back only played in three games in his first season after inking a new deal, which adds even more frustration to the situation.
Ben Johnson noted Kyler Gordon’s availability has been disappointing in 2025
When the Bears hired Johnson as the team’s head coach and brought in Dennis Allen to lead the team’s defense, both coaches had high praise for Gordon and the impact he brings to the field. However, it’s something the Bears unfortunately weren’t able to fully see come to fruition in Year 1.
“It’s disappointing,” Johnson told reporters on Monday. “I wish I had a better feel for the individual. But with him being out as much as he has been, 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.”
All in all, Gordon played just 117 defensive snaps in 2025 due to various injuries, but it was clear to see the impact he had when he was out there. Gordon missed time during training camp and the first four games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury. After returning in Week 6, Gordon played in two games before suffering a groin/calf injury that knocked him on the injured reserve.
Gordon made his long-awaited return, in a limited role, against the Philadelphia Eagles playing 36 defensive snaps in the win. The week following, leading up to the Packers game, Gordon was not listed at all on the injury report until suffering the setback in pregame warmups.
“I do know 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,” Johnson added. “So we’re going to exhaust all of our resources in and outside of the building to make sure we’re addressing it and doing what we can to get him back and healthy again.”
Fans should justifiably be frustrated but the anger is being targeted in the wrong direction. The Bears have high hopes for Gordon in this scheme and it was reflected in his second contract signed over the offseason. He’s not going anywhere, but it’s important the Bears and Gordon do everything in their power to get him fully healthy, whether that means returning this season or waiting until 2026.
Chicago Bears News
Kyler Gordon’s injury suffered ahead of Bears-Packers game has fans locked onto the wrong issue Chicago should be worried about
The Bears have a bigger issue to worry about with the defense.
