The Chicago Bears might obtain a lift within the secondary this week simply in time for an NFC North matchup towards the Minnesota Vikings — although whether or not they’ll must face star large receiver Justin Jefferson is doubtful.
The Bears designated nickel Kyler Gordon to return from injured reserve Monday. The second-year cornerback 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 can be price monitoring this week after each missed prolonged time within the final month.
But Eberflus did communicate 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.”
Whether the Bears should defend Jefferson this week is a significant query after he went down with a proper hamstring pressure within the Vikings’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell advised reporters Monday the workforce is “going to have to medically make a good decision and help almost protect him from himself” in figuring out when he can return. Jefferson’s absence could be a significant improvement, 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 can be completely satisfied to get Gordon again whoever he’s defending, Eberflus gave a shoutout 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’ operating again depth chart can also be in flux after starter Khalil Herbert injured his ankle towards the Commanders, rookie backup Roschon Johnson went into concussion protocol and core particular teamer Travis Homer suffered a hamstring damage.
The Bears reportedly are making 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 — the Bears’ 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 Bears’ operating again combine early within the season, and he was inactive the final 4 video games. If he’s known 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 operating again Darrynton Evans to the energetic roster off the Miami Dolphins observe 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 known 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 sport to enter concussion protocol.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com