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5d ago

Jaylon Johnson’s Status Looms Over Bears–Vikings MNF Opener as Ben Johnson Debuts

Jaylon Johnson’s increasing practice reps leave his Monday availability to a late coaching decision with input from medical staff.

Image
Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) walks into Soldier Field prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • The Pro Bowl cornerback returned to limited work this week after groin and calf issues, and the team has not finalized his Week 1 status.
  • Linebacker T.J. Edwards missed late‑week practices with a hamstring injury, creating the possibility Chicago enters Monday down multiple defensive starters.
  • Minnesota will start J.J. McCarthy in his first NFL regular‑season game, with Justin Jefferson headlining an offense missing suspended WR Jordan Addison.
  • Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Johnson needs practice reps and that any decision will come from the head coach and trainers as the defense readies pressure for the unknowns around McCarthy.
  • The matchup is Ben Johnson’s regular‑season head‑coaching debut and features his offensive acumen against Brian Flores’ blitz‑heavy unit that drew praise for its versatility.