Go ahead — let it out. I know that a lot of you have been looking for a place to vent. Use this, down below.
Kyler Gordon’s injury issues are getting more confusing and frustrating with each passing day. And Bears fans are calling him out.
A few days ago, Adam Hoge of CHGO had this to say when on the Spiegel and Holmes show:
Nate Davis is one guy that you never want to be compared to when dealing with an injury issue. The issue with Nate Davis was not so much that he was injured, but more that there was a sentiment that he gave up on the team after receiving a large payday in free agency.
Gordon, the beneficiary of a 3 year, $40 million deal in April of 2025 was viewed as a major part of the Bears defense moving forward, after posting 5 INTs, 17 PDs, 1.5 sacks, and 9 TFLs in his first three seasons. His versatility at playing in coverage and making plays behind the LOS were particularly interesting.
And then the 2025 season came. Kyler Gordon entered the season dealing with soft tissue injuries in his calf that started his season on the PUP list. After being activated for weeks 6 and 7, Gordon didn’t look himself, playing a little over half of the defensive snaps. He was ruled out again until week 13 where a similar story materialized. It was noted that he was dealing with a variety of soft tissue issues, including his groin, calf, and hamstring. He was then sidelined until the playoffs.
Gordon’s play in the postseason was solid, but still looked a step off as he struggled in coverage. However, many saw this as a sign that Gordon would be primed to return fully healthy for the 2026 campaign.
Gordon’s status was once again in question when it was noted he was sitting out some offseason workouts; then later, our collective fears were confirmed when he was once again placed on the PUP list ahead of training camp.
Now, with the miraculous return of a player like Ozzy Trapilo, who is back in action after only 7 months removed from a ruptured patellar tendon, many are questioning Kyler Gordon’s commitment to the team and ability to stay healthy.
Will Kyler Gordon ever be the same?
I suppose this presumes a certain baseline condition that Kyler had early in his career. Even in his first three seasons, he was not immune to injury setbacks, averaging 14 games played per season, never tallying more than 15 any given year.
Even if that is the baseline expectation for Gordon, it’s hard to imagine he will be able to replicate that, especially with a head coach in Ben Johnson who seems frustrated by him.
In June of this year, Ben noted that he and Kyler are “still getting to know each other” and that “trust is a huge thing” when speaking to availability:
In July, Ben’s message to Gordon was trite — “get healthy”
Most recently, this past Saturday while giving updates on a variety of injured Bears, Ben’s frustration with Kyler seemed at an all-time high, noting his status as “Unknown.”
Given all of this, it’s getting increasingly difficult to trust that Gordon will be the player the Bears hoped he would be when they signed him to his contract 18 months ago. At this point, he is going to have to earn back trust before any of us can extend more in his direction.
