Why Jalen Johnson’s return could shift the Bears’ season

RC Nazemi

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Why Jalen Johnson’s return could shift the Bears’ season image

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) practices before the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

This season, while certainly outperforming expectations, the Chicago Bears (6-3) have had their share of struggles. 

One of the issues plaguing the team has been the up-and-down play of the secondary. While yes, they have been incredibly successful in turning the ball over (league-leading 13 INTs), they also rank in the bottom tier of the league in many passing statistics. 

Much of the reason for the instability on the back end can be chalked up to injuries. Chicago has been missing arguably their two best corners for some time in Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.

Jaylon Johnson underwent core muscle surgery two months ago and was said to be out indefinitely. Kyler Gordon was more recently placed on IR with a groin/calf injury. 

More: Bears announce horrible Kyle Gordon update as star cornerback hits injured reserve

Luckily for the Bears' secondary and their team's fans alike, some good news was recently released about Jaylon Johnson's status. 

The Bears have activated Jaylon Johnson

It was announced on Friday by Chicago that they would be activating Johnson off the IR list, and it couldn't come at a better time for their squad.  

The two-time Pro Bowl and 2023 2nd-Team All-Pro selection is set to practice today for the first time since the injury. The team will obviously want to be cautious with his return, but with the back half of their schedule, it can't come soon enough.

With just eight games left in this season, four of those will be against division opponents (Packers twice, Lions, and Vikings), while the other games feature playoff-caliber teams like the Eagles, 49ers, and Steelers. 

With Austin Booker returning, this could create a fantastic synergy on defense. You need solid coverage to create sacks, and you need solid pressure on the quarterback to force errant throws that become interceptions.  

A boost on both fronts could spell trouble for Chicago's opponents over the remainder of this season. 

 

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Editorial Team