The Chicago Bears have been ravaged by injuries this season, but they’re starting to get some players back, especially in the secondary.
Cornerback Kyler Gordon, who landed on injured reserve a few weeks ago with a broken hand, has been designated to return from IR for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Gordon certainly appears on track to return to the lineup, alongside fellow defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson, who have missed some time. But head coach Matt Eberflus made it clear Gordon is going to have to check some boxes if he’s going to suit up Sunday.
“I mean there are a couple of things you’ve got to evaluate,” Eberflus said Wednesday. “First of all, it’s the conditioning level. We’ll see where he is there. And then we’ve got to look at his movement. His movement should be good. But really just with his conditioning and then with the use of the hand. How is he going to use that hand? How does he feel good in terms of his position? At that position, you have to take on blocks, you have to take on stalk blocks, you have to take on fan blocks, you’ve got to be able to fold in there and make plays in the run game in certain games inside.
“How does he feel that way and then really just executing his coverages? I think that he’s always done well with that. He’s always been quick. He’s always been instinctive. We anticipate seeing that as well. But just really how he is going to use that hand in his job.”
With Gordon sidelined, veteran Greg Stroman Jr. has stepped up at nickel cornerback. He was a significant contributor in Chicago’s prime-time win over the Washington Commanders, totaling seven tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, one sack and one pass breakup.
So if Gordon isn’t able to go this week, the Bears are in good hands with Stroman in the slot.
