Chicago Bears nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon is still rehabbing from a soft-tissue injury, testing the patience of the team and himself. Here is what Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards had to say about his teammate on Thursday.
When the name Kyler Gordon is brought up, it usually draws side-eyes from fans and brief responses from Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
During last Tuesday's press conference at Halas Hall, Johnson was asked for an update on the Bears' nickel cornerback.
“Yeah there's nothing to add right now," Johnson said.
Johnson also said he sees Gordon in the building and he's rehabbing. The Bears' defensive back is still on the physically unable to perform list with a soft-tissue injury -- the same issue that forced him to miss 14 games last season. There's also no indication as to when he will return. He was in Cincinnati on Thursday to watch his teammates compete in the joint practice against the Bengals.
Since Johnson became the Bears head coach, he's only seen Gordon play in five total games, including last season's playoffs.
Before the start of training camp, general manager Ryan Poles mentioned the team was frustrated with the situation and so was Gordon. That's not shocking, considering how important the nickel position is for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defense.
Gordon also received a three-year, $40 million contract extension last April, making him one of the highest-paid nickelbacks in the NFL.
Although it feels like a majority of fans are done with their friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Gordon's nickname, he's still somebody that makes this defense better. Someone who understands his impact is veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards.
"I think Kyler is one of the best nickels in the game; I really do," Edwards said. "I think when he is on the field, he changes the game, and, you know, his ability to blitz, his ability to stop the run, his ability to cover when needed, play the pass, he does it all, right. I know he's working his butt off, and I talk to him every single day. Man, he's just itching to get out there, so we'll be ready when he gets back. We know who he is when he is on the field."
Edwards can only speak for himself, but that is a glowing endorsement for the former second-round draft pick from Washington. Like Gordon, Edwards missed a lot of time last season because of injuries, which helps the veteran linebacker relate to what his teammate is going through right now.
Gordon's absence isn't ideal, as it prevents Allen from seeing his full starting unit. However, rookie Malik Muhammad has gained valuable first-team reps as nickel corner, strengthening the depth of the cornerback room.
While the rookie has made some impact plays, he's still learning the position. Gordon gives this defense its highest ceiling, but it ultimately comes down to availability -- a frustratingly familiar story with the Bears' versatile defensive back.
