Kyler Gordon, the Bears‘ slot cornerback whose months-long calf injury frustrated his bosses, will play Sunday against the Falcons.
Gordon was activated from the physically unable to perform list Saturday afternoon befofre the Bears left Halas Hall to fly to Atlanta. To make room, the Bears put defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve. Odeyingbo, who hurt his quad last week, will miss at least four games.
The Bears also signed cornerback Nick McCloud to the active roster and cut safety Xavier Woods, who had started two games this year. Cam Lewis, who can play both safety and slot cornerback, figures to focus more on the former with Gordon back.
Gordon’s return marks what both sides hope is the end of his injury saga. After he played only three regular season games last year because of various injuries, the Bears focused on Gordon getting healthy — and staying that way — this offseason. He was limited during their offseason program, however, and did not participate at all during training camp. Bears coach Ben Johnson was displeased, and gave curt, emotionless answers whenever he was asked about Gordon’s progress — or lack thereof. The Bears were so frustrated by the injury that, days before the start of the regular season, general manager Ryan Poles couldn’t even guarantee Gordon would play this season.
Gordon went outside Halas Hall as part of his calf rehab and began practicing with the team Sept 30. The tone of the Bears’ coaching staff changed soon thereafter.
“He’s done a great job taking everything that we’ve assigned him so far … ” Johnson said Friday. “I do feel good about him being able to contribute to this team and help us out. There’s a number of ways that he can do that, but I’m encouraged with what I’ve seen so far.”
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has long admired Gordon’s play — he was the only defensive player Allen mentioned by name in his first interview after being hired in 2025. Allen has hinted he’ll be conservative with his snap counts Sunday because he’s returning from injury.
Gordon was the first player Poles drafted. He extended him in April 2025, giving him a three-year, $40 million deal — only for three different injuries to cloud his season.
The Bears also promoted linebacker Buddy Johnson and running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad.
