The Chicago Bears defense is getting a much-needed boost.
The team announced Saturday that they are activating nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon off the physically unable to perform list and onto the 53-man roster.
Gordon spent the offseason rehabbing a calf injury that landed him on the PUP list at the start of training camp. He was moved to reserve/PUP on Aug. 30 and had to sit out the Bears’ first four games.
He returned to practice Sept. 30 and has been a full participant in every session over the past three weeks. He’s set to make his season debut on Sunday vs Falcons.
Gordon was drafted 39th overall in 2022, the very first pick by Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Since then, the cornerback has totaled five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, 2.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
Injuries were present during his first three seasons (2022-24) but did not stop the Bears from making him the NFL’s highest-paid primary slot corner in April 2025 when he signed a three-year, $40 million extension with $31.25 million guaranteed.
Since signing his new deal, Gordon has struggled to stay on the field. He was limited to five games, including the playoffs, in 2025 due to multiple soft tissue injuries and spent two separate stints on injured reserve.
After being sidelined for the Bears’ offseason program and training camp, Gordon spent several weeks away from the team in September rehabbing on his own. He returned to Halas Hall ahead of Week 4 and made an impression on his coaches for how quickly he got up to speed on the practice field and in meetings.
The Bears could use some reinforcements in the secondary after Packers quarterback Jordan Love had six completions of 25-plus yards in Chicago’s 31-7 loss.
