One of the more significant developments of the Chicago Bears' early season is the potential return of Kyler Gordon. Before injuries derailed the past two seasons, Gordon was ascending into one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL.
Dennis Allen Opens up on Kyler Gordon Return to Chicago Bears
However, he was active for three games last year and has been on the PUP this year. The Bears just opened the 21-day practice window for Gordon, meaning he will be activated in the next three weeks. While all indications have been that the Bears are moving forward without him, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen made it clear that the team has a plan for him once he returns. Allen is confident he can be the top cornerback he once was.
"I've got extreme confidence in what he can do when he's out there on the field,” said Allen. “And so that's never wavered. I think, as we all know, the biggest thing for Kyler is for him to be healthy and be able to stay healthy. And so that's kind of where the focus is."
Allen is making it clear that when Gordon is healthy, they trust his talent. The health has always been the issue. Earlier in the offseason, head coach Ben Johnson and General Manager Ryan Poles noted that Gordon would have to come in and earn his role when he comes back.
However, those felt more like threats to try to get him to return sooner. Gordon has never wavered in that he did not want to return until he was fully healthy. So, the team let him rehab with his personal team during the season to get back on the field sooner.
The initial thought was that letting him leave the team would not end well. However, he returned a few weeks later and was a full participant in practice.
With Gordon out, the Bears have tried two options in the slot. First, they started rookie fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad. In Week 3, with Tyrique Stevenson questionable, the Bears played Cam Lewis in the slot and started Muhammad on the outside in place of Stevenson.
Lewis had played safety the first two weeks, but they started Xavier Woods in that spot. If Gordon returns, they can keep Muhammad on the outside, and then they have versatility and depth at safety with Woods and Lewis.
It appears as though the Bears are excited for the return of Gordon, even if they were doubtful it would happen.
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