Chicago Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell is doing what he can to ease concerns about the position.
With starting corners Jaylon Johnson (leg) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring) out, the backup defensive back continues to make plays.
Following Thursday's training camp practice, Chicago Tribune Bears reporter Dan Wiederer wrote about Blackwell's big day, which concluded with the rising fourth-year corner intercepting backup quarterback Tyson Bagent.
"His quickness and savvy in the defensive backfield remain notable," Wiederer wrote.
Cornerback Depth Is of Utmost Importance to Banged-Up Bears Secondary
The opportunity's there for Blackwell's taking. The Bears are without their top two corners, with Johnson placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list at the start of camp and Gordon joining him in the infirmary on Aug. 7.
In Sunday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, Blackwell played 32 defensive snaps, primarily at slot corner (81.3 percent). He allowed 57 yards on six targets with two pass breakups.
On Wednesday, first-year head coach Ben Johnson told reporters that Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler, remains poised to be ready for the start of the regular season. The Bears face the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, led on offense by two-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, in Week 1 (Sep. 8).
Gordon is considered week-to-week with his ailment, giving Chicago hope both will be in the lineup against the Vikings. But if either can't go, Blackwell might be thrust into a larger defensive role.
Of Blackwell's 965 career snaps, 73.5 percent have come on special teams. Last season, he was one of six players to score a punt return touchdown.
This offseason, the Bears re-signed him in free agency to a team-friendly two-year, $5 million contract.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, retained by Johnson this offseason. spoke highly of the core special teamer following Thursday's practice.
Per Weiderer, Hightower said, "he earned" his second contract. "Now he's got to prove that he's worth it every single day," the fourth-year special teams coordinator added.
"His value is huge to me and to the rest of the team."
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) August 14, 2025
ST coordinator Richard Hightower gave Josh Blackwell his flowers 💐 pic.twitter.com/lJQzo1zzw5
Blackwell's continued growth is key to his receiving playing time in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme. The former New Orleans Saints head coach is known for relying on man coverage, trusting his corners to win one-on-one matchups.
Already immensely valuable for what he brings on special teams, if Blackwell's defense continues to stand out during training camp and the preseason, he could be even more intrinsic to the Bears' 2025 plans.