Bears DC Teases Plan for Kyler Gordon vs. Patriots on TNF

We finally got to see Chicago Bears nickel corner Kyler Gordon back in action on Sunday. 

The last year and a half or so has been frustrating because of Gordon's recent injury history. The Bears gave him a three-year, $40 million extension last offseason, and he's played in four regular-season games since. 

Those same injury issues arose in the offseason. He missed the first five weeks with a soft-tissue injury and started the season on the PUP list. The Bears finally activated him from the PUP list and added Gordon to the active roster. 

Gordon didn't start against the Atlanta Falcons, but his presence was still felt. Gordon ended the 31-23 win with three sacks, four total tackles and four TFLs. 

He was used similarly to how C.J. Gardner-Johnson was last season. Gordon's three sacks were a career high. It's pretty remarkable that it happened in his first game back from injury. 

Gordon's next steps will be getting back into game shape, with key games coming up on the schedule. The Bears have a short week as they prepare to take on the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. 

It may seem like the next course of action would be to include Gordon in the starting lineup after he had a good game, but the Bears are taking things slow. That's what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen teased at Monday's press conference. 

"Yeah, look, it was exciting to see cause, you know, he did some things that we always felt like he could do for us," Allen said. "So, I've always thought there was a way we could utilize him that could help us win games, and he was big in the game this week. You know, we'll see how things play out moving forward. You know, he was really kinda in a limited role last week. I would kinda expect something really similar. And yet, we're just kinda getting into the game process now. So, there's a lot that has to happen over the course of the next three days." 

It was great to see Gordon back on the field. You could tell how much it meant to him to be back with his teammates. 

The Bears' defense is definitely glad to see Gordon. Last year, the secondary was without Jaylon Johnson and Gordon for most of the season. 

Luckily for the Bears, the pass defense has been consistent without Gordon in the mix. Rookies Dillon Thieneman and Malik Muhammad have been welcome additions to the secondary. 

Chicago allowed the 11th-most passing yards per game (239.2) last season and now ranks 15th in pass defense, allowing 228 yards per game. There is still room for improvement, but getting Gordon back should definitely help. 

The Bears now have a unique challenge in Week 7. Drake Maye has had his fair share of struggles this year but has started to turn things around in recent weeks. Maye threw for 585 passing yards, one touchdown and six interceptions in the first three games. 

In his last three games, Maye has 878 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception. Despite Maye's early-season struggles, the Patriots still have the 10th-ranked passing offense in the NFL, averaging 251.5 passing yards per game. 

The Bears will have their work cut out for them, with or without Gordon in a starting role. Chicago is planning on playing things by ear for now with their nickel corner.