Despite secondary struggles, the Bears stick with current cornerbacks. Kyler Gordon's return offers hope, but Tyrique Stevenson's playoff role remains uncertain.
It looks like the Tyrique Stevenson saga will continue for the Chicago Bears into the playoffs.
Stevenson didn't play a single snap against the Detroit Lions despite being healthy. Head coach Ben Johnson revealed that it wasn't due to an injury, but because he wanted Jaylon Johnson and Nahshon Wright to get most of the snaps.
All three of Chicago's starting corners struggled versus the Lions, each finishing with a PFF grade of 50 or lower. C.J. Gardner-Johnson had the worst of the three, at 28.2. Stevenson definitely could've helped out in the secondary in the 19-16 loss.
There is good news coming for the Bears, as it appears that Kyler Gordon is going to attempt to return in the upcoming Wild Card game with the Green Bay Packers. Gordon hasn't played since Week 13 because of a groin injury he suffered in pregame warmups ahead of the first meeting with Green Bay earlier this season.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen shared that he is game-planning for Gordon to be part of the defense come Saturday night at a recent press conference.
"Yeah, I mean, I think our plan is to have him be a part of it," Allen said. "You know, today will really be the first day that we get out there and go practice, get a chance to see him move around. But I'm excited about you know getting him in the fold and seeing what he can do."
Allen's tune changed when asked about the possibility of having Stevenson get some playing time this weekend. It sounds like Chicago isn't planning on changing its cornerback rotation.
"Yeah, and I think it really comes down to, you know, whatever opportunities any of us get, you know, taking advantage of those opportunities," Allen said. "So, I know he's preparing really hard this week. You know, like I said, today's the first day we'll go out and practice, but I think he's in the right mindset, and you know, hopefully he'll go out there and take advantage of whatever opportunities he gets."
Stevenson has been a reliable option at corner this season. He's accounted for 49 total tackles, one TFL, and two forced fumbles, yet he didn't see the field in Week 18, and the Bears are preparing to welcome Gordon back instantly.
We'll have to wait and see if Stevenson can earn some playing time at practice this week. The Bears and Packers face off at 7 p.m. CT on Prime Video or Fox 32 for local viewers.