No, it's not Groundhog Day Bears fans. It's just a sad reality about Kyler Gordon.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chicago Bears are placing starting cornerback Gordon on IR for the second time this season, essentially ending his regular season with the team, as he will miss the last four games. Gordon reinjured his groin during pregame warmups before the Bears' 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.
During training camp, Gordon injured himself and missed the first four games of the regular season before coming back for just two games before getting hurt again. After the New Orleans Saints game, he was placed on IR and officially returned in Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He has racked up seven tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, one sack, and one fumble recovery in three games.
Gordon is gone again for the Bears
The groin injury has been bugging Gordon throughout the season, and Bears head coach Ben Johnson has expressed his frustration that the cornerback hasn't been able to stay healthy. It now puts Chicago's defense in a familiar position: behind the eight ball in the secondary.
At least the secondary has C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who can start in the slot the rest of the season, as he has done a good job of filling in. The Bears also have Tyrique Stevenson back after missing the past two games, who can help out at cornerback.
Chicago's starting lineup at corner appears to be Jaylon Johnson, Nahshon Wright, and Stevenson rotating on the outside. Gardner-Johnson and Nick McCloud could rotate with each other in the slot.
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This time around, with Gordon out, there is enough depth at cornerback that they should be okay, but it's still a significant loss for one of the NFL's best slot corners.