The Chicago Bears may obtain a lift within the secondary this week simply in time for an NFC North matchup in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings — although the Bears received’t must face star vast receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Bears designated nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon to return from injured reserve Monday, at some point earlier than the Vikings reportedly determined to place Jefferson on injured reserve with a hamstring damage. Gordon had surgical procedure on his damaged hand after the season opener and missed the final 4 video games. The Bears now have 21 days to place Gordon again on the 53-man roster.
Coach Matt Eberflus declined to delve into damage updates Monday because the Bears returned to Halas Hall from their mini-bye following Thursday’s 40-20 victory over the Washington Commanders. The statuses of security Eddie Jackson (foot) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) additionally will probably be price monitoring this week after each missed prolonged time within the final month.
But Eberflus did converse of the worth of getting again Gordon, who had a powerful coaching camp earlier than he was injured.
“Kyler is a good player, dynamic player in there at nickel, does a lot of things for us,” Eberflus mentioned. “That position, if done right, enables us to play various coverages, to pressure the player and do a lot of different things with him. He was on his way, had a great camp. We were really excited about him starting the year and then he got hurt the first game. So we’ve been trying to put … different guys in there. It’s going to be really good to get him back, so we can be more consistent with our defensive alignment.”
NFL Network reported Tuesday that Jefferson will go on IR and miss at the very least 4 video games with a proper hamstring pressure he suffered within the Vikings’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Jefferson’s absence is a serious growth for the Bears, as he has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns this season. He had 12 catches for 154 yards in an October 2022 assembly with the Bears.
“One of the most dynamic receivers in the league, so you’ve always got to prepare for that,” Eberflus mentioned.
While the Bears will probably be joyful to get Gordon again whoever he’s defending, Eberflus gave a shout-out to Greg Stroman Jr. for his “outstanding” efficiency filling in for Gordon on Thursday. Stroman, a Virginia native who was drafted by the Commanders, had seven tackles, a sack and an interception of Sam Howell — all in entrance of his household.
“Mental reps and just making sure you’re listening when other guys are getting coached,” Stroman mentioned of how he was capable of step in when wanted. “Definitely just staying dialed in, and that leads to being ready.”
The Bears’ working again depth chart can be in flux after starter Khalil Herbert injured his ankle in opposition to the Commanders, rookie backup Roschon Johnson went into concussion protocol and core particular teamer Travis Homer suffered a hamstring damage.
The Bears reportedly are getting ready to be with out Herbert for a number of weeks after he suffered a excessive ankle sprain, based on CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. But they’ve an alternative choice if Herbert — their main rusher with 51 carries for 272 yards — and Johnson are out.
The Bears signed sixth-year NFL veteran D’Onta Foreman to a one-year, $2 million contract within the offseason. Foreman had a breakout yr with the Carolina Panthers in 2022 with 203 carries for 914 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Herbert and Johnson pushed Foreman out of the working again combine early within the season, and he was inactive the final 4 video games. If he’s referred to as into motion this week, Eberflus mentioned the Bears need to see “just him being him.”
“He’s a really good downhill runner,” Eberflus mentioned. “He’s a physical player. Just what we saw last year on tape, we want to see that during practice and during the games and then being consistent.”
The Bears additionally signed working again Darrynton Evans to the energetic roster off the Miami Dolphins follow squad so as to add one other physique to the room. Evans performed in six video games for the Bears final season, totaling 14 carries for 64 yards and a 33-yard catch.
Evans mentioned his agent referred to as Friday to let him know the Bears wished him again. He mentioned he should dive into the playbook to get reacclimated to what the Bears offense is doing.
“It felt good,” Evans mentioned. “I’m happy to be back and get around the guys right now. Back in the building, the city, a place I love. I’m just ready to get to work.”
The Bears additionally designated middle Doug Kramer to return from IR on Monday. Center Lucas Patrick left Thursday’s recreation to enter concussion protocol.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com