There is still a lot to sort out about the situation, but there remains a chance that the Chicago Bears could get All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson back this season.
The news comes on the heels of 670 The Score reporting that Johnson will have surgery, which follows the team placing Johnson on injured reserve. That means he must miss at least four games – three more now – and the tone seemed to indicate an even longer absence.
However, Bears head coach Ben Johnson drew attention with his remarks on the matter.
Bears Get Encouraging Update on Jaylon Johnson Before Week 4
Bears HC Ben Johnson Shares Encouraging Jaylon Johnson Update
Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Chicago Bears speaks with reporters in the locker room. Mandatory credit: Clocker Sports
Johnson said on Friday that he was not certain about the full extent of Johnson’s injury or an exact timeline for the CB’s return. On Monday, though, Johnson was slightly more forthcoming, both acknowledging the veteran’s upcoming procedure and projecting optimism.
“Yeah, I believe so,” Johnson told reporters on Monday about the surgery. “There is [a chance he could return this season].”
Johnson missed all of training camp and the preseason with a groin injury.
He also picked up a calf issue and was ultimately sidelined for the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football.” Johnson returned for Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, but picked up a new groin issue in the contest and exited early.
The Bears are also without star nickelback Kyler Gordon, who is “week-to-week” with a hamstring injury.
Nahshon Wright has started in Johnson’s place opposite Tyrique Stevenson on the perimeter.
Timing of Jaylon Johnson’s Injury Unfortunate for CB
Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Chicago Bears stretches before practice. Mandatory credit: Clocker Sports.
Not having their top corner – and arguably best defensive player – is a significant blow to the Bears’ defense. But the absence is also coming at an unfortunate time for Johnson, who spoke candidly about wanting a new contract during the offseason.
Johnson is in Year 2 of a four-year, $76 million extension.
However, the Bears can cut him next offseason and save $16 million in 2026 while splitting a $9 million dead cap hit between 2026 and 2027, per Spotrac.
“I’m feeling good. I’m out in Vegas. It’s my first full offseason out here in Vegas. Bought a house out here. Moved my family out here. So, it’s going really good. I’m just looking forward to it. And then, too, just really – just seeing a lot of the other corners getting paid. I almost feel like we might have to have another discussion coming up here soon. The market is moving. The market is moving. So, as long as I just keep being myself, keep playing at a high level, definitely going to have to be some more conversations coming up soon to really keep it long term,” Johnson told fill-in host Seth Rollins on “The Rich Eisen Show” in July.
“I’m looking forward to that. But definitely happy for what’s going on right now in the NFL and the corner world. So, I’m looking forward to just this season. Continue to prove myself, and that’s what it’s about, really. Just putting good tape out there. So, this whole offseason has been geared towards that.”
That is more than enough incentive for Johnson to try returning this season, but the concern is aggravating an old injury or creating another issue, just like what happened with his calf.
