It's been talked about all week whether the Chicago Bears would have their top nickel cornerback, Kyler Gordon, back for the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers.
That news could now be official as the Bears have activated Gordon from the IR for the second time this season. Chicago also announced Nikola Kalinic and Jalen Reeves-Maybin have been moved up to the active roster from the practice squad.
Gordon has played in only three games this season, dealing with a lower-body injury that has forced him onto the IR twice. He was listed as questionable before the Packers' playoff game.
Kyler Gordon is coming back at the right time
Chicago has a problem in the secondary, as they are already out of Gordon's replacement, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was ruled out with a concussion. The Bears have been waiting to get Gordon back as his core muscle injury in his lower leg has been a problem.
At times this season, Bears head coach Ben Johnson has expressed his frustration with the injury and wants his cornerback back in the lineup. This week had a different tone, with more optimism from the head coach about Gordon and his return.
It has been rare for the Bears to have Jaylon Johnson and Gordon on the field together in the secondary this season, as it has only happened in the Black Friday win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Gordon now returns when his team needs him the most, as the Bears have struggled to cover receivers from the slot.
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While the inactive list still has to come out for the Bears, this is a clear sign that Chicago is going to have one of their top corners back for the playoffs, and fans can't be more excited about the news.