Chicago Bears fans were ecstatic to see their two-time Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson back on the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. That excitement faded away quickly.
Johnson went to go make a play on a Jared Goff pass and was able to dive in front of the pass and deflect it. That was the kind of defense the Bears needed as the unit struggled to start the game.
All of a sudden, worry flowed through the Bears' sidelines. Johnson was down. He had reinjured his groin. Johnson didn't return to the game, and that would be the devastating blow Chicago took as they fell to the Lions 52-21.
ESPN's Adam Schefter and Courtney Cronin dealt the next blow on Monday as they reported that Johnson is out indefinitely with the groin injury. The team is still evaluating the injury and whether surgery would be required.
This was the same injury Johnson was dealing with during training camp as he never practiced. Before the Bears' 27-24 Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, he practiced for the first time, but would still sit out of the game.
Bears Pro-Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury, sources tell me and @CourtneyRCronin. The team still is evaluating the full extent of the injury, whether surgery is necessary, and how long Johnson will be sidelined.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025
Johnson exited the second… pic.twitter.com/plKzZ9Hug1
How do the Bears deal with Johnson's injury?
It's a crushing blow to the Bears' season that is already hanging by a thread after starting 0-2. The defense allowed over 500 yards and 52 points against the Lions, which was the most points the franchise has allowed in over 10 years.
Johnson will be replaced by Nahshon Wright, who had a great Week 1 performance against the Vikings in his place. Wright made the play of the game for Chicago, taking an interception back for a touchdown in the third quarter.
While Wright makes for a good backup plan, he can't replace the guy who has made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2024, as well as being the heartbeat to the defense. A true leader the team turned to is no longer there.
It's a horrible time for Johnson to leave, especially with there being questions about when starting nickel corner Kyler Gordon is coming back after missing the first two weeks to injury. The other starting cornerback, Tyrique Stevenson, got exposed against the Lions as he struggled in coverage.
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Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has his work cut out for him to try to repair this broken defense that can't pressure the quarterback or cover anyone. Johnson's injury is a heartbreaker that might have massive consequences on the Bears.