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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 10: Kyler Gordon #6 of the Chicago Bears reacts as he takes the field prior to an NFL wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on January 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Friday morning, Brad Biggs was the first to report that Kyler Gordon has not participated in the Chicago Bears’ offseason program due to a soft-tissue injury.
This may seem like deja vu for Chicago, who have seen Gordon’s health be a consistent issue throughout his career. Gordon, a 2nd-round pick in 2022 and the first selection of the Ryan Poles era, has missed 23 games during his tenure, including 14 in the 2025 season.
While Gordon’s early-career injuries were the result of isolated issues (broken hand, concussion), the 2025 season brought us the eternally frustrating phrase — “soft tissue”. When asked in 2025 about Gordon’s ongoing injury issues, Ben Johnson stated, “It’s disappointing. I wish I had a better feel for the individual, but with him being out as much as he has, I haven’t really gotten to see him on the field and competing to get to know him like I’d like to.”
With the additions of Dillon Thieneman, Coby Bryant, and Malik Muhammad, it was clear that the Bears were not entirely comfortable with the back end of their defense. Perhaps the consistent lack of availability from Gordon was a contributing factor.
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Beyond Gordon, there are several defensive backs on the team that are in prove-it seasons. Jaylon Johnson is coming off arguably his worst season as a pro, where he missed 10 games due to injury and looked a step slower.
Tyrique Stevenson is another player who could use a strong 2026 to make a case for a new contract. He was supplanted by Nashon Wright midseason and flashed inconsistently to the tune of 1 INT, 10 PDs, and 2 FFs.
Terrell Smith has a huge season ahead of him while he aims to make an argument for a roster spot after missing the entire 2025 season. Before his injury, Smith was in the mix for starting opposite Jaylon Johnson.
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Still, with the report of another Kyler Gordon injury, Johnson, Allen, and defensive backs coach Al Harris may already be making plans for how to deal with regular season ailments. As noted by Biggs:
“Obviously the coaching staff hoped that learning process would pick up this spring, and while there’s still time, it would be surprising if frustration levels haven’t ticked up. The Bears have six scheduled organized team activities over the next two weeks, beginning Wednesday, leading into minicamp.”
There is a lot of time before real football is played. However, the Bears have championship aspirations in 2026, and availability will be huge to make a deep run. Kyler Gordon is a huge part of that equation, as the Bears are a much better team with him on the field.
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