When it comes to Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, the one word that encapsulates his current injury situation is "frustration."
Gordon, a former second-round pick, was hampered by soft tissue injuries last season, playing in just three regular-season games with two stints on injured reserve. After playing in two postseason games, the arrow was pointed up for Gordon, who's elevated the defense when he's on the field.
But Gordon suffered yet another soft tissue injury -- a calf injury, as confirmed by general manager Ryan Poles -- that held him out of the offseason program and has him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start training camp. There's also no current timetable for his return.
"Obviously, he's frustrated,” Poles said
Tuesday. “We're frustrated. Everybody here is putting their time and effort into getting him back."
Head coach Ben Johnson hasn't been shy when it comes to voicing his frustration with Gordon, making it clear that his lack of availability has been a problem. On report day, Johnson had a message to Gordon as he starts the summer injured.
"Get healthy."
It's a simple message, but it also feels like a warning to Gordon. There's no denying that the Bears defense has been better with Gordon on the field. But the best ability is availability, which is something that Gordon just hasn't had. Never mind the 2025 season; he's yet to play an entire NFL season since being drafted in 2022.
Johnson was asked about a contingency plan with Gordon sidelined. While he stopped short of naming names, Johnson mentioned how they've added to that defensive backs room and said there will be opportunities for rookies and veterans alike to run with the first team and make a case for the job. It's "healthy competition" in that room, and Gordon's job might just be for the taking.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson issues simple message for injured Bears CB Kyler Gordon
