SEPTEMBER 8: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms Gordon is currently working with a private trainer as his calf recovery continues. The plan remains for a return to take place at some point in 2026.
SEPTEMBER 1: In 2025, Kyler Gordon was limited to three games during the regular season and two in the playoffs. He has remained sidelined through all of spring practices and training camp while dealing with a setback in his recovery from a lingering calf issue.
Gordon was one of three members of the Bears who landed on the reserve/PUP list during roster cutdowns. The fifth-year cornerback will miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign. It is unclear when – or even if – a return to action will take place in this case.
“I don’t know,” general manager Ryan Poles said (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) when asked if Gordon’s playing time in Chicago will continue. “I hope so. I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing football again.”
Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have each expressed their frustration with this situation over the course of the offseason. Gordon faced an uncertain timeline as of mid-August, and he never received clearance to take part in team work during training camp. Considerable progress still needs to be made for Gordon, 26, to become available for Chicago midway through the campaign. Based on Poles’ latest comments, though, his future from a big-picture perspective is murky as well.
Last April, team and player agreed to an extension worth $13.33MM per season. That represents the top AAV for pure slot corners in the NFL, and expectations were high entering the 2025 season. Gordon was unable to meet them due to his missed time, and the former second-rounder is on course for another notable absence this fall. With a $10MM base salary for 2027 already guaranteed, it would be critical for all involved to have Gordon return to full strength at some point.
Fourth-round rookie Malik Muhammad worked as the Bears’ starting slot corner during training camp. He is in line to handle first-team duties into the regular season, although Chicago will have another option in the form of recent trade acquisition Clark Phillips.
