The Chicago Bears look to keep their rise in the NFC North coming when they face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11. After a bumpy start to the year, the Bears have seemingly found their rhythm at the right time, and what's most impressive is that they've done that without star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who hasn't played since September because of a groin injury.
Even though Johnson isn't ready to return, the Bears announced on Friday afternoon that they've opened the defensive playmaker's 21-day practice window. If he can't return by the time that period is over, Johnson will be forced to miss the rest of the season.
Countdown Is on After Bears Open Jaylon Johnson's Return Window
It has been a nightmare season for Johnson and the Bears. During training camp, Johnson suffered a groin injury that kept him sidelined over the summer. He returned to the field when the season began before re-aggravating that groin injury in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions.
Johnson had to undergo surgery to fix the problem, but getting back on the field is a huge step forward. Chicago's secondary has been slammed with injuries this season, as Johnson and Kyler Gordon have both missed time on the sidelines.
Having said that, the ex-Utah Ute seemed to be trending in this direction, as head coach Ben Johnson said he saw the star cornerback in the locker room on Wednesday.
"I just saw Jaylon in the weight room. He’s excited about where he is right now, and he’s hopeful he’ll be able to be out on the practice field here in the near future," the Bears' HC said on Wednesday (h/t @adamjahns).
Bears Should Have Jaylon Johnson Clarity Soon
The next couple of weeks will be about building Johnson's stamina and conditioning, while seeing how his body reacts when getting back into football activities. In the meantime, fellow Bears CB Nahshon Wright has stepped up in his place.
Wright is leading all Bears cornerbacks in total snaps (538). In those reps, he's logged 42 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and three interceptions. While he's made some plays on the ball, he's allowed 28 receptions (46 targets) for 378 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Tyrique Stevenson has also been underwhelming this season. According to Pro Football Focus, he has a 58.8 overall grade (58th among 109 graded corners) and a 52.1 coverage grade (89th among 109 graded corners). He continues to struggle in coverage as well, allowing 28 catches for 502 receiving yards and a score.
This CB duo has been disappointing, so getting Johnson back in the fold will be massive for Chicago. Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro (2023). Last season, Johnson had 53 total tackles, eight pass breakups, and two picks. On PFF, he had a 76.2 overall grade and a 74.2 coverage grade.
Whenever Johnson gets on the field, it'll be a boost for the secondary and comes at the perfect time as they gear up for a playoff push. Hopefully, for the Bears' sake, that happens sooner rather than later.