It was learned yesterday the Bears expect to have both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon back in the fold at some point late in the year. One member of that tandem has taken a significant step toward returning. 
Johnson’s practice window was opened on Friday, per a team announcement. The Bears thus have 21 days to activate him from injured reserve. Today’s update points to a return taking place in the near future regarding the team’s top cornerback.
Core muscle surgery threatened to end Johnson’s season after just one game played. At the time the procedure took place (late September), however, it became clear the team was hopeful about Johnson being able to suit up during the latter stages of the campaign. Barring any setbacks over the coming days, that will indeed take place. Approaching full strength in the secondary will be critical for Chicago’s playoff push.
The Bears have been without Johnson and Gordon for much of the year. In spite of that, they have managed a 6-3 record and in doing so put themselves in strong contention for a postseason berth. Getting both back would represent a major boost, but Johnson in particular managing to return would aid Chicago’s perimeter defense on the back end. The two-time Pro Bowler will no doubt be handled with caution upon returning to practice considering he has dealt with two separate groin issues in 2025.
Johnson, 26, has operated as a full-time starter throughout his six-year Bears career. The former second-rounder received the franchise tag last offseason before agreeing to a four-year, $19MM deal. Managing to remain healthy once he return to action will be imperative not only for the Bears in the immediate term but also for Johnson’s ability to meet the expectations associated with his big-ticket contract.
Gordon remains sidelined by groin and calf injuries at this point, and he has played just two games in 2025. His ongoing recovery progress will be interesting to track, but in any case Johnson is on his way back to the active roster.
