The Chicago Bears got some great practice reps this week in their joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals, especially on the defensive side where there are plenty of questions going into the season.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has plenty of work to do with his unit after leading the league in takeaways last season. But the secondary has been brought down by roster turnover and injuries, especially to safety Coby Bryant and nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon.
One member of the secondary who is looking to get back to his normal self is top cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who turned heads with his performances in the joint practice when he was matched up with Bengals superstar receiver Ja'Marr Chase and shut him down. Following Thursday's practice,
Chase credited Johnson for being a good and aggressive cornerback.
Ja'Marr Chase talking about Jaylon Johnson pic.twitter.com/QF3D9WnPM8
— Depressed Bears Fan (@DepBearsFan) August 21, 2026
"Good corner, a really good corner," Chase said. "He was aggressive on a few plays, nothing too aggressive but he's a good corner."
Chase added that Johnson's style of play is one that he's used to, but to hear one of the NFL's elite receivers praise the work Johnson gave him this week is an encouraging sign. When healthy and available, there's an argument to be made that the Bears superstar cornerback is among the top at his position, but his health has hampered him over the last few seasons.
If his showing against the Bengals this week was any indicator, the Bears could be getting Johnson back in a great place, which is a big sigh of relief given the unknown on Gordon and his calf injury holding him out of training camp and preseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase sounds off on facing Bears CB Jaylon Johnson
