Health Returning in Bears Secondary

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson told WSRC he'll be back for the game with the Vikings, meaning the Bears could get at least two starters back in their secondary.

When the Bears defense faces the league's ninth-ranked passing attack Sunday, it's going to be with a much-improved secondary.

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, speaking in his weekly spot on WSCR AM-670, said he's ready to return from a hamstring injury this week against the Vikings.

Johnson isn't the only injured player expected back. Slot cornerback Kyler Gordon hasn't played since the opener after suffering a broken hand and he is eligible to come off injured reserve. It doesn't mean he will, but he is eligible.

If both of these injury stints truly are over, the only starter they would be hoping to get back is safety Eddie Jackson, who had a foot injury and has been out since the second game. His injury initially had been described by the team as not serious.

Last year Jackson missed the final five games of the season with a Lisfranc injury, then was rehabbing from the injury until halfway through 2022 organized team activities in May.

Beyond injuries, the Bears could have decisions to make at the position because Gordon's backup, Greg Stroman, has been coming on strong. 

Stroman has a 69.3 passer rating against, according to Sportradar, as he came off the practice squad when both Gordon and backup slot cornerback Josh Blackwell (hamstring) suffered injuries. He had an interception and his first sack against the Commanders Thursday. Gordon had a solid first game, though, and it's unlikely they'd go away from him if he is healthy.

A more likely decision might be whether to keep Stroman on the 53-man roster or to bring back Blackwell when he's ready to return. Blackwell has been on IR only two games.

Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven