The Bears have activated nickel CB Kyler Gordon from the PUP list, officially opening his 21-day practice window for a long-awaited return.
The Chicago Bears have opened nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon's 21-day practice window on Wednesday, activating him from the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Gordon was a full participant during Wednesday's walkthrough practice.
It's been a whirlwind for Gordon up to this point. He played in just five total games (including playoffs) last season and missed all of training camp this year. The last time general manager Ryan Poles spoke about Gordon, he mentioned there wasn't a specific timetable for him to return and didn't know if he would play for him again.
The Bears opened up the 21-day practice windows for linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive lineman Shemar Turner on Sept. 23, and when head coach Ben Johnson was asked about Gordon, he provided a six-word response.
"I've got nothing to add there," Johnson said.
Johnson's tone with Gordon has been consistent since the veteran cornerback has been unable to practice. Maybe that begins to change when Gordon returns to the practice field.
Gordon has been working with a private trainer to recover from a calf injury that has prevented him from practicing. It appears he is ready to rejoin the team, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defense will welcome the veteran nickel cornerback and so will his teammates.
Veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards talked about Gordon after the team's joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals.
"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."
Rookie defensive back Malik Muhammad has played well in the slot through the first two games this season, but Gordon did sign a three-year, $40 million contract last offseason, making him the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the league.
The Bears could use his skillset in the secondary, which would allow Muhammad to potentially get more reps at outside cornerback. Gordon needs to prove that his calf will hold up as he gets acclimated back into football shape and also gain chemistry with his fellow teammates. He's hardly practiced with defensive backs Dillon Thieneman, Xavier Woods, Cam Lewis and Muhammad.
There will be an adjustment period for Gordon, but being activated off the PUP list is a good first initial sign.
The earliest Gordon can officially be activated to the 53-man roster is for the Week 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. If Gordon isn't cleared in the 21-day practice window, he will go on season-ending IR.
