Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon might make his season debut against the Atlanta Falcons this week after being designated to return and another full week of practice.
Gordon missed most of last season due to various injuries including a hamstring strain, a calf injury and a groin injury. His current calf injury is a result of his lingering issues from last season. Chicago opened his 21-day practice window on September 30 and with him being a full participant in practice all week, it seems like a promising sign he could play this week.
“He’s done a great job taking everything we’ve assigned him so far," said head coach Ben Johnson. "I feel good about him, whether that’s this week or next week, being able to help us out. I’m encouraged with
what I’ve seen so far."
The Green Bay Packers exposed Chicago’s weakness in the secondary with numerous explosive plays in the pass game. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is supposed to be the Bears’ top corner on the roster, has struggled throughout this season. Chicago has been relying on rookie Malik Muhammad to step up, especially with Cam Lewis and Tyrique Stevenson suffering injuries at times this season. Stevenson is also questionable against Atlanta.
In the three regular season games Gordon played last season, he allowed nine completions on 10 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He also struggled in the postseason against the Packers, allowing 84 passing yards and a touchdown.
However, in his last time on the field against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, he did not allow a completion on two targets. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes to use Gordon to bring pressure, blitzing Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford seven times in that game.
So far this season, Chicago has the sixth-highest blitz rate in the league. It seems likely that will increase with Gordon coming back to the lineup, assuming he stays healthy. Since being drafted in the second round by the Bears back in 2022, Gordon has never played in a full season but usually played in at least 13 games before last year.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson sounds off on Bears CB Kyler Gordon's pending return
