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Kyler Gordon has been dealing with a lingering calf injury that prevented him from participating in the Chicago Bears’ spring workouts and training camp. General manager Ryan Poles previously acknowledged that Gordon’s recovery had been slower than expected. He remains on the reserve/PUP list and is ruled out for at least the first four games of the 2026 season.
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The earliest Gordon can return to practice is September 21, meaning Week 5 game can be his possible season debut, assuming he is healthy enough and the Bears activate him. Gordon is now working away from Chicago with his own trainer in an effort to accelerate his recovery. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the plan is for Gordon to return to the team a few weeks into the season and begin practicing shortly afterward. There is optimism that he can return sooner rather than later if he avoids another setback.
The 2025 season was too frustrating for Gordon. He appeared in only three regular-season games, making one start, and finished with seven tackles, five solo tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He also played in both of Chicago’s playoff games, recording 10 tackles, one sack and two passes defended.
Gordon’s return could change the Bears’ nickel situation. Without him, Chicago has to rely on players such as Cam Lewis and rookie Malik Muhammad II. The Bears’ unofficial depth chart has Lewis listed first, while Muhammad could also see significant work.
Other Bears Injuries and What They Mean
Rome Odunze is the biggest Week 1 offensive concern. He did not practice on Monday but the good news is that head coach Ben Johnson called him day-to-day and said the Bears remain hopeful he can play against Carolina.
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This injury is worth watching because Odunze already missed five games in 2025 with a stress fracture in his foot. Despite that, he finished last season with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 starts.
D’Andre Swift appears to have avoided a major setback; he left practice Thursday after appearing to hurt his core/midsection. He returned to practice Monday, which is major boost for Chicago ahead of Week 1. Running back Kyle Monangai also returned to practice Monday after having dealt with a hyperextended right knee suffered on August 16.
The bigger concern is the defense. The secondary is dealing with injuries, while the defensive line remains a question mark after an offseason that did little to erase concerns about the pass rush.
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 4:36 AM.