Overview
- Johnson returned to the field Friday after core muscle surgery following a Week 2 groin aggravation that sidelined him most of the season.
- Head coach Ben Johnson said the veteran is “in a good spot” but needs time to regain football shape before he can play.
- Chicago must decide within 21 days whether to activate Johnson or keep him on season-ending IR, with the window spanning key dates against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Green Bay.
- Kyler Gordon remains on injured reserve with no practice window opened yet, though the team has expressed hope for a late-season return.
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson, signed Oct. 29, has filled the nickel role productively as the 6–3 Bears manage injuries in a thin secondary.