Chicago Bears nickel corner Kyler Gordon's ongoing soft tissue injuries have been a headache for everyone involved.
For the Chicago Bears’ former second-round draft pick in 2022, he has played in just five games since signing his three-year, $40 million extension that made him one of the highest-paid nickel cornerbacks in the NFL.
Before training camp started, general manager Ryan Poles said the team and Gordon have been frustrated by nagging soft-tissue injuries that have kept the versatile defensive back on the physically unable to perform list. Gordon's absence also creates another ripple effect. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad, who primarily played on the outside at Texas, has had to learn the nickel spot. Now, that isn't necessarily the worst outcome, as it provides the fourth-round draft pick more opportunities to see the field.
Is Malik Muhammad in the best position to succed at nickel for the Bears?
However, Muhammad's best position isn't at nickel. It's outside cornerback, where Muhammad has the boundary as an extra defender. In the slot, there is a lot of open space to deal with on an every-down basis, and it's a position that requires far more tackling, especially on run plays.
Their joint practice against the Tennessee Titans put Muhammad's skill set on full display from both positions.
During one of the team periods, Muhammad lined up in his typical nickel position. Immediately off the snap, Muhammad lost his leverage while trying to cover No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate, who easily scored a touchdown against the Bears’ rookie in the front left corner of the end zone.
That's a tough assignment for any rookie, especially someone who is playing slightly out of position.
Late in the practice, Muhammad got even with Tate. This time he lined up as a boundary corner. Tate got behind Muhammad, but the Bears’ defensive back didn't panic. He stayed patient, watched Tate's hands as the ball was approaching, and then put his arm between the Titans’ receiver and the ball, forcing an incomplete pass.
Muhammad has been in that situation before and likely relied on muscle memory to make that play. With the nickel spot still new to Muhammad, it's going to take time before he truly feels comfortable.
Gordon could be a candidate to go on the reserve/PUP list and would have to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. If that happens, then Muhammad is going to start at the nickel position.
One thing the Bears can't afford is to have his confidence get shaken; let Muhammad's if he gives up big plays early in the season. Nickel is an extremely challenging position to play, which only ramps up the urgency to get Gordon healthy so he can play the spot that feels natural to him. That should also allow Muhammad to get more reps on the outside, the position he played in college, which allowed him to be
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The Bears can't afford to let Muhammad's confidence be shaken up if he gives up a few big plays early. Nickel is a challenging position, making Gordon’s return to his natural slot more urgent. A healthy Gordon lets Muhammad take more reps on the outside, where he played in college and where he thrives best.
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