Getty
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The Chicago Bears are still not precisely sure when they will have Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson back in their lineup, but there is new optimism about his return following the latest update from head coach Ben Johnson.
Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has been on injured reserve since September 20 after he suffered a groin injury in Week 2’s loss that forced him to undergo surgery.
Since his injury, though, the Bears have left the door open for him to potentially return to the field during the 2025 season, especially if they remain in the NFC playoff hunt.
Ben Johnson also said Wednesday that his top cornerback is “hopeful” that he will be ready to return to practice “soon” as they start preparing for Week 11’s next game.
“We should be able to get them back at some point end of the season here, but kind of too be determined on when those clocks will start clicking here,” Johnson said when asked for updates on the return timelines for both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
“I just saw Jaylon in the weight room. He’s excited about where he is right now and is hopeful that he’s gonna be able to be out on the practice field here soon.”
While Ben Johnson’s indication that Jaylon Johnson could start practicing again soon is the biggest update on the 26-year-old cornerback in months, it was not the only sign in the past few days that one of the Bears defense’s biggest stars is nearing his return.
On November 11, one of Johnson’s rehabilitation specialists shared a video of the Bears cornerback going through a workout to his Instagram account (@footdoctor_moe) and teased his forthcoming return with the caption: “They said Jaylon Johnson was out indefinitely, nahhhhhhh,” accompanied by a lightning emoji and a saluting emoji.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson continues to push for a return this season. He was seen putting in some work with the caption:
“They said Jaylon Johnson was out indefinitely, nahhhhh ⚡️”
Could he be making a return sooner than we think?
: footdoctor_moe via IG Story
Johnson has several more hurdles he must still clear before he is ready to return for the Bears. The team still hasn’t designated him for return to practice, the first step toward activation that will give him 21 days to ramp up in practice. Then, once he is ready, they must clear a spot for him on the 53-man roster and activate him off injured reserve.
Even still, any progress is good progress for one of the Bears’ best and brightest.
Ben Johnson also offered more reassurance about another one of the Bears’ injured cornerbacks, Gordon, when speaking with reporters ahead of Wednesday’s practice.
Gordon, the Bears’ top slot cornerback, landed on injured reserve on October 25 due to a soft-tissue injury that the team listed as a “groin/calf” on the injury report before his deactivation from the 53-man roster. At the time of his injury, though, Johnson said he believed Gordon’s injury was of the “short-term variety” and that he would return.
That thinking, Johnson said this week, has not changed.
“We’re still thinking that,” Johnson confirmed Wednesday, “so I can’t tell you exactly when, but hopefully in the near future here.”
Gordon must still spend at least one more week on injured reserve, but he will become eligible for activation ahead of Week 12’s home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Bears designate him for return next week, they will have 21 days to activate him — which could make Week 14 or Week 15 a more realistic return date for him.
The Bears (6-3) will next face the Minnesota Vikings (4-5) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Getty
Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
The Denver Broncos are bringing back a familiar face to their receiving corps.
As Sports Illustrated noted, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos are signing wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the New York Giants’ practice squad.
Denver reportedly attempted to re-sign him during free agency last spring, but he opted to join New York.
Now, a midseason roster opening gave both sides a chance to reunite.
Head coach Sean Payton’s connection to Humphrey runs deep.
The 27-year-old receiver originally played under Payton with the New Orleans Saints.
He later reunited with him in Denver during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
During his time with the Broncos, Humphrey became a quiet but valuable contributor.
He was known for his blocking, physical presence, and ability to fill multiple roles on offense and special teams
“LJ’s the kind of player every coach loves. He’s physical, tough, and does the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet,” Payton said last season
Humphrey appeared in 34 career games prior to his stint with the Giants.
He hauled in 44 receptions for 455 yards and four touchdowns.
So far this season in New York, he’s managed just four receptions for 55 yards.
His return to Denver could spark his play, as he’s more comfortable in Sean Payton’s system and familiar with the offense.
The Broncos offense has struggled with consistency and depth at wide receiver so far this season.
Humphrey’s return adds both familiarity and flexibility.
He knows Payton’s system, understands Denver’s run-heavy schemes, and has shown he can contribute when called upon.
In 2023, Humphrey appeared in 17 games for the Broncos.
He caught 13 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns while playing 40% of the team’s special teams snaps.
His ability to line up in multiple spots, wide, slot, or even tight splits near the line, gives Denver added versatility.
Bringing Humphrey back isn’t a headline-grabbing move, however, it’s a classic Sean Payton signing.
He brings in a trusted veteran who knows the system, fills a specific role, and brings immediate value to both offense and special teams.
And with Marvin Mims dealing with an injury, Humphrey’s addition brings some important depth.