The Chicago Bears have put all their attention on the wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, but going up against the same team for the third time in a season is tough. Getting any sort of advantage and health can go a long way, and it seems like the Bears are getting both.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported on X that cornerback Kyler Gordon was a full participant in Thursday's practice, signaling his likely return to the active roster for this game. Getting him back to the defense is a boost in the slot; he's also the second major player the Bears should have available in this clash that didn't face Green Bay at all in the regular season, joining stud receiver Rome Odunze.
The return of Gordon and Odunze helps throw the Packers off, who'll now have to worry about two game-changers they don't have experience facing this year.
Kyler Gordon Likely Returns to Bears in Wild Card After Full Practice on Thursday
It's been an injury-riddled season for Gordon. He missed the majority of training camp and the first month of the season with a hamstring injury. Gordon returned briefly before landing back on IR with calf and groin injuries.
Nonetheless, that's all behind them, and Gordon's return is exciting and comes at the perfect time for this defense. Defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson is in the concussion protocol and is ruled out for this game. Since signing with the Bears in October, Gardner-Johnson has stepped into the slot. He's certainly given them a jolt, but he also has some weaknesses in coverage. On PFF, Gardner-Johnson has allowed 33 catches with 309 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Gordon is an upgrade in the secondary due to ability to be sticky in coverage and create turnovers. In 2024 (15 games) with the Bears, he had 75 total tackles, five pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. Gordon gave up 41 receptions, 472 receiving yards, and one total touchdown as well.
On Pro Football Focus, Gordon had a 76 overall grade (12th among 117 graded cornerbacks), 76.3 run-defense grade (26th among 117 graded cornerbacks), and a 76 coverage grade (11th among 117 graded cornerbacks) last season.
The Bears haven't been able to see this version of Gordon this year, but he's fought his way back into action. The fact that he will add another wrinkle to this defense gives them an advantage that Green Bay hasn't seen all year long.
They would have to watch tape from previous years, but that may not be useful, as Eric Washington and Alan Williams were the two prior defensive coordinators from 2022 to 2024. It's an entirely new scheme under Allen, so the way he'll utilize Gordon is unknown.
There have been some questions around Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson leading up to this game, but getting Gordon back is a fantastic addition right before the biggest game of the season.