Bears place CB Kyler Gordon on injured reserve, ending his season due to injuries
The Chicago Bears have placed cornerback Kyler Gordon on injured reserve, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season due to recurring injuries.
Why it matters: The loss of Gordon is significant for a Bears defense that relies heavily on its secondary to execute defensive schemes effectively, especially against opponents like the Cleveland Browns.
- Gordon has been limited to just three games this season, contributing to the Bears' struggles in pass defense.
- As a second-round pick in 2022, he was expected to play a pivotal role in the team's defensive strategy.
What’s new: The Bears announced Gordon's placement on injured reserve following his recent calf and groin injuries, which occurred ahead of their Week 8 matchup against Baltimore.
- After missing most of training camp and the first four games of the season due to a hamstring injury, Gordon returned in Week 13, where he played 36 snaps in a win against Philadelphia.
- This latest setback marks the second time he has been placed on injured reserve this season, highlighting ongoing concerns about his health.
By the numbers: Gordon's limited appearances reflect a troubling trend with soft tissue injuries.
- He has missed significant playing time, including a substantial portion of training camp, which could hinder his development and impact the Bears’ secondary depth.
- Only three games played contrasts sharply with the expectations set by his $40 million contract extension effective next season.
Yes, but: While Gordon's absence is a setback, the Bears are proactive in managing roster adjustments.
- They have elevated running back Brittain Brown and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin from the practice squad to fill gaps created by injuries.
- This move indicates the team’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness despite personnel challenges.
Between the lines: Coach Ben Johnson expressed disappointment regarding Gordon's situation, noting the difficulty in assessing a player who has not been consistently available.
- "The biggest predictor of a soft tissue injury is having a previous one," Johnson remarked, emphasizing the cyclical nature of such injuries and the importance of a thorough recovery process.
What’s next: The Bears will monitor Gordon's condition closely as they head into the offseason, with hopes of addressing the underlying issues causing these injuries.
- If the Bears qualify for the postseason, Gordon may be eligible to return, but that remains a long shot given their current standing.
- Moving forward, the organization must consider how to bolster its depth at cornerback to avoid similar situations in the future.
The bottom line: While Kyler Gordon's potential return is uncertain, the Bears must navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key defensive players, which raises questions about their ability to compete effectively in upcoming games.
