Between Sunday at 12:00 pm CST to Monday at 1:30 pm CST, the Chicago Bears have managed to have about as might of a nightmare as it can be.
The Bears took a beating from the Detroit Lions in Ben Johnson's return with a 52-21 loss. Earlier on Monday, it was announced that cornerback Jaylon Johnson was out indefinitely with a groin injury he reaggravated in the loss to the Lions.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz came in a few hours later to deliver the news that Bears fans were not ready to hear. Sources tell Schultz that Johnson is likely out for the rest of the season and will require surgery. There is an outside shot that he could come back, depending on where he is in his recovery and if the Bears are in contention for the playoffs.
Sources: #Bears All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson is likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a groin injury that will require surgery.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 15, 2025
I’m told there is an outside chance he could return late if Chicago is in contention, but for now it’s a devastating loss for the Bears’… pic.twitter.com/HcwAtqMOXx
Johnson missed all of training camp with the same groin injury. He returned to practice prior to their Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but did not play in it. Johnson got injured on a pass deflection in the Lions game and didn't return.
The news just keeps getting worse and worse for the Bears
Ben Johnson is facing his biggest obstacle of his young head coaching career as he has the impossible task of trying to replace Jaylon Johnson. Since the Bears drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson has started 71 games and made Pro Bowls in 2023 and 2024.
Nahshon Wright now becomes the next man up for Chicago as he started in Johnson's place in Week 1. He was able to play well after collecting a pick-six against the Vikings.
More pressure will be on Tyrique Stevenson, who is coming off a tough outing against the Lions. There were already a lot of eyes on Stevenson after his mishap on the Washington Commanders' game-winning Hail Mary last year.
One other concern is when starting nickel corner, Kyler Gordon, is coming back after missing the last two games due to injury. His replacement, Nick McCloud, also struggled against the Lions as Jared Goff attacked him time and time again.
Read more: Ben Johnson made the bet Bears fans begged him not to make
The Bears have some work to do on defense after their 52 points allowed on Sunday. Without Johnson in the lineup, can other aspects of the defense like the pass rush be able to step up?