The Chicago Bears announced that they’ve placed cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kindle Vildor on injured reserve, ending both of their seasons.
The good news? Running back Khalil Herbert has been activated from IR, and he’s expected to make his return to the lineup Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.
Vildor has been battling an ankle injury over the last couple of months, so it’s not a huge surprise. But Johnson landing on IR is a surprise considering he had been saying this week that he expected to play against the Bills, and that appeared to be the indication.
But with Chicago eliminated from postseason contention and nothing at stake, it’s a move that makes sense. And it could certainly help the Bears secure the No. 2 overall pick.
Chicago has now lost its top two defensive backs in Johnson and safety Eddie Jackson, who was placed on season-ending IR with a foot injury a few weeks ago.
With Johnson and Vildor done for the season, that leaves the Bears with rookie Kyler Gordon and undrafted rookies Jaylon Jones and Josh Blackwell. Harrison Hand and Breon Borders, who have been practice squad mainstays, have been signed to active roster.
