Bears Receive Unexpected Injury Boost on Key Defenders—What It Means for the Season Ahead

Alright, here’s the scoop: The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a heavyweight showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles this Black Friday, and both teams are coming in hot with identical 8-3 records. Now, here’s a thought to chew on—can a couple of injury returns turn the tide in what’s shaping up to be a nail-biter? Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, two key defenders who’ve been sidelined with gnarly injuries, are finally stepping back onto the field. After a grueling recovery stint, these cats bring not just fresh legs but a whole lotta stability to a Bears’ secondary that’s been scrambling. But will their limited snaps be enough to shake things up? The Bears’ coaching staff faces the classic conundrum: how to blend the returning vets’ firepower without messing up the rhythm of the guys who’ve been holding down the fort. It’s a tantalizing twist in Chicago’s quest for its first playoff berth in five years—trust me, you won’t wanna blink on this one.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 26: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears hands the ball to D'Andre Swift #4 during pregame warm ups prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. — (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday, with both teams entering with 8-3 records. The Eagles are favored in the matchup, but the Bears received encouraging news on the injury front ahead of the contest.

On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chicago Bears are activating cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Kyler Gordon from injured reserve. Their return provides a significant boost to the Bears’ secondary as the team pushes toward its first playoff appearance in five years.

“Help is on the way: The Bears are activating Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson and starting DB Kyler Gordon from IR in advance of Friday’s game vs. the Eagles, sources say. Gordon has been dealing with groin and calf injuries, while Johnson had surgery to repair a core muscle,” Rapoport posted on X.

Help is on the way: The #Bears are activating Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson and starting DB Kyler Gordon from IR in advance of Friday’s game vs. the #Eagles, sources say.

Gordon has been dealing with groin and calf injuries, while Johnson had surgery to repair a core muscle. pic.twitter.com/e0dqJnjPfO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2025

Johnson missed all of training camp with a groin injury and has been unavailable for most of the season after sustaining a similar injury during the Bears’ Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The injury required surgery, and he spent the past two months recovering. Johnson returned to practice a few weeks ago and recorded two tackles in limited snaps upon his return.

Gordon has also dealt with multiple injuries this season. After missing the first four games with a hamstring issue, he returned in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders but appeared in only two contests before calf and groin injuries sidelined him for an additional five weeks. Through his limited action, Gordon has registered six tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery.

How many snaps Johnson and Gordon will actually receive on Friday remains uncertain. Combined, they have logged fewer than 10 quarters this season, yet both bring stability to the defense when on the field.

Their activation raises questions about the rotation, as Nahshon Wright and C.J. Gardner-Johnson have stepped up while filling in. The Bears’ coaching staff will need to balance keeping the returnees involved while maintaining the rhythm of those who filled the void.

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