Chicago Bears Suffer Major Blow as Star Cornerback Jaylon Johnson Expected to Miss Several Weeks of Training Camp with Offseason Leg Injury, Placed on Non-Football Injury List by GM Ryan Poles.
The Chicago Bears are dealing with an unfortunate setback as star cornerback Jaylon Johnson is expected to miss several weeks of training camp due to a leg injury sustained during the offseason. General Manager Ryan Poles confirmed the news, stating that Johnson, who has been a pivotal figure in the Bears’ secondary, will be out for “a few weeks.” The injury reportedly occurred while Johnson was undergoing individual training, and as a result, he was officially placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list as the Bears began camp preparations.
This development represents a significant blow to the Bears’ defense, which had been trending in a positive direction with Johnson as one of its cornerstones. The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating for both the player and the franchise, as training camp is crucial for getting into football shape, building chemistry, and installing key components of the defensive scheme. Johnson’s absence, even if temporary, could have ripple effects on the preparation and performance of the defensive unit, especially in a year where Chicago is aiming to take a major step forward in a competitive NFC North.
Jaylon Johnson has emerged as one of the most reliable and consistent performers for the Bears since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Utah. Over the past few seasons, he has built a reputation as a physical, lockdown corner capable of shadowing opposing teams’ top receivers. His ability to play both man and zone coverage effectively has made him a vital asset for the Bears, and he was rewarded this past offseason with a four-year, \$76 million contract extension, signaling the team’s commitment to him as a foundational piece of the defense.
The injury setback, however, introduces a measure of concern. Although Poles did stress that Johnson would be out for “a few weeks,” and didn’t indicate that it was a season-threatening issue, anytime a high-level player misses significant training camp reps, there’s the potential for disruption. Training camp is where players shake off offseason rust, get acclimated to updated playbooks, and develop synergy with teammates. For cornerbacks in particular, staying sharp with technique and footwork is essential—especially in a league increasingly dominated by elite quarterback play and talented wideouts.
There is also the strategic side to consider. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who enters his first year leading the Bears’ defense, will have to adjust his early plans in Johnson’s absence. Washington was expected to lean on Johnson to stabilize the outside cornerback position while integrating younger players and newcomers into the secondary. With Johnson sidelined, opportunities will likely open up for second-year corner Tyrique Stevenson, rookie Kalen King, and veteran Kyler Gordon to receive more reps on the perimeter and in high-leverage scenarios. While this could accelerate their development, it could also expose inexperience against first-string offensive units during joint practices and preseason games.
On a broader level, this injury underlines the inherent risks and unpredictability of offseason training. Players are often commended for putting in the work independently to stay in shape and improve their performance, but those sessions don’t always come with the oversight and injury mitigation protocols present in official team settings. That reality can lead to situations like this, where a key player is hurt away from the team facility and faces a delay in returning to full participation.
For Johnson, this situation could be personally frustrating, particularly after signing a major extension and heading into what many expected to be a career-defining season. He was primed to assume more leadership responsibility within the locker room and help guide a young defense into what the Bears hope will be a playoff-contending year. Now, his focus must shift toward recovery and a cautious ramp-up to ensure he is healthy for the start of the regular season.
General Manager Ryan Poles has been vocal in his desire to build a tough, disciplined, and cohesive roster. Johnson’s injury represents a test of that depth and resilience. While the Bears have taken significant steps to improve the roster through the draft and free agency—adding names like Montez Sweat on the edge, linebackers like Tremaine Edmunds, and continued investment in the secondary—Johnson’s role remains unique. He’s not only one of the few veterans with top-tier talent but also one of the few who can go toe-to-toe with the game’s best receivers.
It’s also worth considering how Johnson’s temporary absence might affect the broader narrative around the Bears this offseason. Chicago has been one of the more intriguing teams heading into the 2025 season. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams expected to revitalize the offense, and the defense poised to build on last season’s improvements, there’s been real optimism in the Windy City. Fans are hopeful that the Bears can take a leap from rebuilding to contending. That kind of leap often requires everything going right, especially in training camp. Losing a key player, even for a short period, introduces variables that could slow that momentum.
Still, it’s important to contextualize the injury. Poles’ tone suggested that the Bears do not believe the injury will affect Johnson’s availability for Week 1. The team will undoubtedly proceed cautiously, prioritizing long-term health over any short-term camp milestones. From a recovery standpoint, leg injuries can vary greatly depending on the specific diagnosis—whether it’s a muscle strain, ligament issue, or bone-related problem. The Bears have not disclosed the exact nature of the injury, which is standard protocol, but the “few weeks” timeline implies it is not overly severe.
In the meantime, Bears coaches and fans will get a closer look at the rest of the cornerback room. This includes more reps for Stevenson, who showed flashes of potential last season, and for Gordon, who is being counted on to make a leap in 2025. Rookie Kalen King, a standout at Penn State, could also see his stock rise if he takes advantage of the additional reps. These reps, while born out of necessity, could pay dividends later in the season when depth becomes crucial.
The silver lining in Johnson’s absence is that it gives the team an extended opportunity to evaluate these players against high-level competition and prepare for the possibility of further attrition during the season. Injuries are, unfortunately, a reality of football, and how teams respond to them often determines the outcomes of their seasons. For the Bears, this is a chance to showcase the depth and coaching development that Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have worked to instill.
The fans, who have high hopes this year, will certainly be watching closely. While there may be disappointment at not seeing Johnson out on the field right away during camp, the consensus sentiment is that his health for the regular season is what matters most. A healthy Jaylon Johnson makes a major difference for this team. He not only locks down one side of the field but also allows more flexibility for the defensive scheme, opening up blitzing lanes, disguising coverages, and giving confidence to the safeties behind him.
As the Bears move forward into the heart of training camp, all eyes will remain on updates about Johnson’s condition and eventual return. In the meantime, the team will rally, other players will step up, and the process of preparing for a critical 2025 season will continue. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that Johnson’s injury happened early enough in the process for him to rehab fully and potentially return at full strength before the regular season kicks off.
Injuries are always a part of the NFL narrative, but how teams manage them—and how players recover from them—can define a season. Jaylon Johnson’s absence, while concerning, is not insurmountable. If handled correctly, it could ultimately serve as a galvanizing moment for a young and determined Chicago Bears squad looking to write a new chapter of success this year.
