Every Chicago Bears fan got excited to see cornerback Jaylon Johnson's 21-day practice window open. It was even more exciting to see him only being listed as questionable for the Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings. That was quickly crushed with one announcement.
The Bears announced that they have downgraded Johnson to out for the Vikings game due to a groin injury and will remain on the Reserve/Injured: Designated for Return list. Johnson is coming off having core muscle surgery after playing just one game this season in the Week 2 Detroit Lions game, where he got hurt.
It has been a tough season for Johnson, as he missed all of training camp due to a groin injury and the first matchup against the Vikings. One-half into the season, and Johnson was already out for most of the year.
Bears fans have to wait another week for Johnson to come back
The reality was that it would have been too soon to bring Johnson back from injury. Chicago knows this better than anyone, as they tried to get back Johnson and Kyler Gordon too soon, and now both are on IR.
Chicago is about to hit the tough part of their 2025 schedule, with six of their next eight games featuring teams with winning records. After a 6-3 start, the Bears need to play the following month, right as they are currently tied for first in the NFC North with the Lions.
While the secondary for Chicago could really use Johnson, it's not worth the risk to play him against a Vikings team that has a losing record and doesn't have a strong passing game with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Despite Jordan Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the other side, McCarthy is struggling to get the ball to them, so that'll be a significant advantage for a banged-up Bears secondary.
Read more: Bears coach says the quiet part out loud about Joe Thuney's impact off the field
Soon enough the Bears will have Johnson and it will be a massive deal when he is back in the lineup.