We are yet to begin the Chicago Bears 2026 season and already Kyler Gordon's ability to play has come into question. NFL insider Ari Meirov provided comments from GM Ryan Poles, with there being a clear level of negatvitiy and inability to confirm whether or not Gordon is going to play this season. The slot corner has been a great option when healthy, something that has rarely happened over the last three years and left Bears fans understandably frustrated with a defender who simply cannot find a way onto the field.
Head coach Ben Johnson has to be a bit over the inability to play as that has been the case his entire tenure. With this in mind, it will be rookie Malik Muhammad getting the first shot at playing the slot corner position. Muhammad made headlines throughout the summer for his solid play, but unquestionably hit bumps in the road along the way.
The mid-round rookie is a question mark based simply on the lack of reps and draft pedigree that demand fans see results on the field before buying in. With this in mind, recent trade addition Clark Phillips all of a sudden has a clear path into the team's starting lineup.
If the rookie stumbles or even if the Bears want to lessen his snaps in an effort to ease him into Dennis Allen's defense, it makes sense to give Phillips reps. Chicago added the defensive back along with a fifth-round pick when they sent Gervon Dexter to Atlanta.
Bears Kyler Gordon update leaves clear opportunity for Clark Phillips to work his way into Chicago's lineup
Phillips has starting experience in Atlanta, but has never played with a defensive unit as talented as Chicago offers. It is fair to wonder if there could be a leap in ability based on the improved coaching and roster talent. The Bears have every reason to at least explore this at the start of the season with Gordon out of the picture and appearing increasingly unlikely to play a major role in the 2026 season.
No question, Phillips has stepped into a major upgrade both due to the ability of the Bears as well as the chance to work his way into the lineup. Poles being so open about Gordon possibly missing the season makes it clear that whoever is healthy to begin the season will be fighting for a role beyond just the first handful of games.
It seems that Gordon remains a wildcard with the Bears giving no indication he is close to a return. This leaves the door open for Phillips to step from a reserve role into a meaningful one for Chicago. No question, the recent trade addition is a player to keep a very close eye on in the first weeks of the 2026 season.
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