It is hard to fathom how or why, but the 2025 season seems like the beginning of a new era for the Chicago Bears. For the better part of the franchise’s history, a 0-2 start and some gruesome fourth quarters would have signalled that the team would be done by Week 11.
However, they have rallied time and again, with five game-winning drives helping them get to a 7-3 record that has them in the thick of the playoff race. But the one concern for them has been the defense, where injuries have run rampant in the locker room. Perhaps the biggest absence due to those injuries is cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Will Jaylon Johnson Play Against the Steelers?
Three games for Chicago have ended with game-winning drives, giving them the victory. However, in each game, a major question mark for the team has been the defense.
Despite facing less than ideal competition, stops have been hard to come by for a unit that ranks 24th on PFSN’s Defense Impact. A major reason for their defensive problems has been the injuries to the unit. Johnson, in particular, has been one of the biggest names that is off the roster for the time being. Coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, he was one of the more underrated threats in the secondary in the entire league.
However, without him, the team has had a tough time dealing with passing attacks. An injury to his groin, suffered in Week 2, turned out to be a rather serious affair, with the soft tissue injury not coming with a certainty about the recovery period.
As a result, the Bears chose to place Johnson on the injured reserve list, where he’s remained ever since. However, before their Week 11 clash against the Minnesota Vikings, his 21-day return window was officially opened, as he returned to practice in a limited capacity.
While he remained out against the Vikings, the process to his return has officially begun. This week, facing a Pittsburgh team that could be without Aaron Rodgers, might allow Chicago to take extra precaution with him.
“We’ll see how long it’ll take to get him back in shape,” Ben Johnson said. “But I think he’s in a good spot right now, and I think being out on the grass is going to be a good thing for him.”
But with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers right around the corner, the Bears will need arguably their best defensive player back in the mix as soon as possible. A secondary featuring Johnson, Kevin Byard III, and Tyrique Stevenson should be the ideal scenario for the team in the stretch run.
