Chicago Bears week 3 injury report: key players out vs. Cowboys 3 Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) after an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears have bad news on Jaylon Johnson’s return

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 4:35 PM ET

On Friday, the Chicago Bears opened Jaylon Johnson’s 21-day practice window.

The Bears have three weeks to activate the star cornerback to the 53-man roster or Johnson will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

With Johnson dealing with a groin injury and fellow cornerback Kyler Gordon on injured reserve with a groin issue, the Bears secondary has had serious gaps in recent weeks.

Still, Chicago is 6-3 and holds the NFC’s No. 6 seed entering Week 11. The Bears hope the tandem of Johnson and Gordon can return in the next few weeks.

However, the Bears have disappointing news for Johnson ahead of Sunday’s game on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.

Per the Bears, Johnson has been downgraded to out against the Vikings. On Friday, he was ruled as questionable to play Minnesota after being a limited participant at practice.

Chicago Bears have had news for Jaylon Johnson for Sunday

“Bears DB Jaylon Johnson (Groin) has been downgraded to OUT and remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return,” the Bears posted on X.

Chicago will not have linebacker T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) or wide receiver Jahdae Walker (concussion) against the Vikings. Safety Jaquan Brisker is questionable to play with a back issue.

#Bears DB Jaylon Johnson (Groin) has been downgraded to OUT and remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return. https://t.co/xRANoXgOJM

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) November 15, 2025

Johnson made two tackles in his only appearance this season against the Detroit Lions. The 2020 second-round pick had a stellar season in 2024, recording a career-high 53 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and nine passes defensed on his way to his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

Johnson, 26-year-old, made second-team All-Pro in 2023.

While Johnson won’t be on the field to try and avenge the Bears’ Week 1 loss to the Vikings and J.J. McCarthy, there is hope he can return when Chicago hosts Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12.

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) attempts to run the ball while Cleveland Browns defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) pursues during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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