The Chicago Bears' defense has played well above expectations all season, despite significant injuries, especially in the defensive backfield. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has gotten his unit to punch above its weight by getting the most out of several players, including new addition CJ Gardner-Johnson. Since signing with the Bears, Gardner-Johnson has turned back the clock and delivered consecutive strong performances. With the looming return of key defenders, however, the Bears are facing a difficult decision.
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reported on Wednesday that the Bears opened the 21-day practice window for Kyler Gordon. The talented defender had been out since Week 7, dealing with groin and calf injuries. He has been limited to only two games this season after missing the first five weeks with a hamstring ailment.
Kyler Gordon's Return Gives the Bears a Great Problem to Have
The decision on Gordon comes on the heels of Chicago opening the practice window for fellow star cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Both players will likely return to the starting lineup in the next week or two, giving Allen and head coach Ben Johnson a nice problem to solve.
Gordon has been almost exclusively used as a nickelback during his time in Chicago. However, Gardner-Johnson has done an excellent job in the slot over the last three weeks. Gordon should still get the nod over the veteran newcomer, but the Bears have to find a way to get the recent addition to the secondary more reps, even when both Johnson and Gordon are back.
Gardner-Johnson obviously has a ton of experience playing safety, too. Kevin Byard is in the midst of an excellent season, and Jaquan Brisker has been solid. Perhaps the Bears could give Gardner-Johnson some reps next to Byard.
Another option would be to keep Gardner-Johnson at nickel and move Gordon around. Gordon played on the outside a ton during his rookie year and could be an option there again. Once Johnson returns, the Gordon-Johnson pairing on the outside could be a possibility. This would push Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright to the bench, however.
Wright is in the middle of a breakout campaign as a ballhawk. He has four interceptions in nine starts and has played admirably amid cornerback absences. However, Gordon, Johnson, and Gardner-Johnson may give the Bears the highest playmaking upside in the secondary when healthy.
Chicago still has some time before it has to make this call. Exactly when Johnson and Gordon will make their debuts remains to be seen, and Stevenson is currently questionable for Week 12 after leaving the win over the Vikings during the second half. With that being the case, the coaching staff may have a bit more shuffling to do before worrying about when and how to integrate Gordon into the lineup.