Bears coach Ben Johnson has refused to give away the surprise that could bolster his team's struggling cornerback corps for Friday's showdown with the Eagles. The question on everyone's mind is whether injured cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon will be activated from reserve after being seen participating fully in practice on Wednesday.
Johnson, who has been sidelined due to groin injuries since before training camp, was unable to play more than a single game this season before undergoing surgery. However, his return would provide a much-needed boost to the Bears' secondary, which has struggled to contain opposing receivers all season. Meanwhile, Gordon's limited action was hampered by hamstring and calf injuries that forced him out of two games.
Bears coach Ben Johnson remained tight-lipped about any plans for his cornerbacks, saying only that they would be made public "soon enough." Cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson inadvertently dropped a hint during practice on Wednesday when he referred to Johnson as one of the league's best corners, adding that his return against the Eagles' potent receiving corps could provide an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Other injury updates from Bears coach Ben Johnson included news that fullback Theo Benedet is poised for a return to action after practicing in full with quadriceps issues behind him. Second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo also seems set to keep his starting left-tackle job, as Johnson praised the rookie's performance during Sunday's game.
Unfortunately, three key starters at linebacker remain sidelined: T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), and Noah Sewell (elbow). Additionally, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter was added to the injury report, while guard Luke Newman and defensive end Dominique Robinson are still out due to foot and concussion issues respectively.
Finally, Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith sat out practice on Wednesday with an illness that also affected his shoulder and chest.
Johnson, who has been sidelined due to groin injuries since before training camp, was unable to play more than a single game this season before undergoing surgery. However, his return would provide a much-needed boost to the Bears' secondary, which has struggled to contain opposing receivers all season. Meanwhile, Gordon's limited action was hampered by hamstring and calf injuries that forced him out of two games.
Bears coach Ben Johnson remained tight-lipped about any plans for his cornerbacks, saying only that they would be made public "soon enough." Cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson inadvertently dropped a hint during practice on Wednesday when he referred to Johnson as one of the league's best corners, adding that his return against the Eagles' potent receiving corps could provide an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Other injury updates from Bears coach Ben Johnson included news that fullback Theo Benedet is poised for a return to action after practicing in full with quadriceps issues behind him. Second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo also seems set to keep his starting left-tackle job, as Johnson praised the rookie's performance during Sunday's game.
Unfortunately, three key starters at linebacker remain sidelined: T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), and Noah Sewell (elbow). Additionally, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter was added to the injury report, while guard Luke Newman and defensive end Dominique Robinson are still out due to foot and concussion issues respectively.
Finally, Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith sat out practice on Wednesday with an illness that also affected his shoulder and chest.
i'm so hyped for this game! the bears' cornerback corps has been a total mess all season and if jaylon johnson is finally back, it's gonna be lit 
. C.J. graham-johnson's comments during practice on wednesday were super telling - he basically said that jaylon is one of the league's best corners 
. and omg ozzy trapilo is still starting left tackle? what a rookie season 
. but seriously, the bears are gonna need all hands on deck with t.j edwards out 
. can't wait for friday's game 
... like, it's only gonna make the Bears' secondary look even worse if they sit them out against Philly 
. But seriously, who's gonna step in for T.J., Ruben & Noah if they're all out? 
... I mean, come on Ben, if he's been practicing fully, give us something to work with 
. And what's up with the C.J. Gardner-Johnson hint? Is he trying to get under our skin or just genuinely excited for JJ's return? 
Anywayz, I hope JJJ can bring some much-needed spark to the secondary 
I'm really rooting for Ozzy Trapilo holding onto that left-tackle spot 
️ On a slightly darker note, the injury report's not looking great for the Bears... 
Like, come on coach, spill the beans already! We've been waiting for like, forever to see our favorite CB take the field. And Kyler Gordon's return would be a total game-changer - his skills are straight fire 
I was getting worried sick when I heard he'd been sitting out with quadriceps issues, but now it sounds like he's back in the mix. That's some great news! 
its like they want us to have no idea what's going down. but i think its clear that jaylon johnson and kyler gordon will be activated this wkend. their return would make a huge diff for the bears secondary, esp against the eagles receiving corps 
c.j. gardner-johnson dropped a pretty big hint tho 
gotta give it to Ben Johnson for keeping us in suspense tho 
. If Jaylon & Kyler come back, they'd bring some much-needed stability to the secondary... 
Meanwhile, Theo Benedet's return would be a huge boost for the offense, let's hope Ozzy Trapilo can keep up with Gervon Dexter on the D-line