Jaylon Johnson’s Injury Looms Large Despite Bears’ Momentum

Depth Concerns Continue to Test Chicago’s Secondary

Even with Sunday’s victory, the Bears’ secondary remains thin and vulnerable. Kyler Gordon continues to recover from a hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week. With Terrell Smith already out for the season and rookie Zah Frazier on the non-football injury list, defensive coordinator Eric Washington is relying heavily on backups and young players.

That means corners like Nahshon Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and Josh Blackwell are seeing expanded roles, while practice squad elevation Dallis Flowers has been thrust into meaningful snaps. The lack of veteran depth raises serious questions about how well Chicago can hold up against elite passing attacks in the coming weeks.

Defensive Adjustments Without a Shutdown Corner

Since Johnson has not been able to play outside, Chicago‘s defense is changing. With Johnson, the Bears were able to take their best corner and put him on an opponent‘s best wide receiver. They could disguise coverages behind Johnson‘s coverage. Without that luxury, the Bears will lean more on zone coverages with double teams and safeties over the top. This diminishes their ability to blitz and take chances on the edge, and it increases their exposure to explosive plays.

However, Sunday’s victory showed that the defense is capable of adapting. The unit tightened up in coverage, limited explosive plays, and executed situations better — all positive signs that the Bears can survive without their best corner.

Young players stepped up in key moments, showing poise and discipline under pressure against a capable Raiders offense. That growth will be essential as the competition level rises in the coming weeks and the margin for error shrinks.

Recovery Timeline and Season Outlook

The big question now is when — or if — Johnson will return this season. If his surgery and rehab go smoothly, a late-season comeback is still possible. But if setbacks occur, Chicago could be without one of its most impactful defenders for the rest of the year. In the meantime, the team’s best hope is for its young corners to grow quickly, its safeties to step up in coverage, and its pass rush to apply consistent pressure.

The win over Las Vegas was a promising sign that Chicago can stay competitive even without Johnson. But with tougher opponents ahead, the true test is still coming. How well the Bears’ secondary holds together — and how effectively they compensate for Johnson’s absence — may ultimately decide whether this season remains a step forward or another rebuilding year in disguise.