The Chicago Bears' defense has been trending up in recent weeks after punching above its weight all season under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Leading the league in takeaways despite dealing with significant injuries up and down the rotation, the Bears' defense is getting healthy and rounding into form at the right time.
The defense getting healthier will create a sweet problem for Allen and Ben Johnson. Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson returned from their extended absences in Week 13 to further bolster the defense. Tyrique Stevenson ended up missing Friday's game due to a hip injury, making rotational decisions easier for the coaching staff. Stevenson will miss Sunday's clash against the Lions after three straight DNP designations during the week.
This injury could be costly for Stevenson. While the third-year player is having a fine season across from Nahshon Wright, he may lose his starting spot for good. By the time he returns, Jaylon Johnson will likely have played himself into form and be playing every snap. The slot corner position is Gordon's to lose, and Stevenson has rarely played there in his three seasons in Chicago.
Tyrique Stevenson's Injury Could Cost Him His Starting Job Upon Return
This means that the only way Stevenson could play a role would be over Wright on the outside. However, Wright has been red-hot in recent weeks, winning the NFC Defensive Player of the Month award in November. With five interceptions and five pass breakups, Wright has been one of the most disruptive ballhawks on the team. It seems unlikely that the Bears would pull a hot hand for Stevenson, who hasn't been better than Wright all season and has been dealing with a few lingering injuries.
Stevenson had previously left Week 7 with a shoulder injury and missed Week 8. Now, he is dealing with a shoulder injury he sustained in the win over the Steelers. Now that he is getting ruled out days in advance, Stevenson doesn't seem to be nearing a return any time soon.
The last few weeks of the season will not only play a huge part in determining Chicago's playoff seeding but also in the cornerback rotation in the future. The Bears have invested heavily in Gordon and Johnson. Wright's contract expires in the offseason, and Stevenson will be extension-eligible. How each defender and the overall unit play down the stretch will give the front office a chance to make a more informed decision in the spring.