The Chicago Bears’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday was exactly the boost the team needed. It brought the team to .500 and gave them a sense of momentum heading into October.
But even with the thrilling win, one storyline still casts a long shadow over their season — the absence of star cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The All-Pro defender remains on injured reserve after suffering a significant groin and core muscle injury, and although Chicago’s defense held up decently against Las Vegas, the challenges that lie ahead without him are undeniable.
Jaylon Johnson’s Injury is a Lingering and Complicated Setback
Jaylon Johnson’s injury saga dates back to the offseason, when he tore his adductor muscle from the pelvic bone during a workout — a serious injury that sidelined him through training camp, the preseason, and the Bears’ Week 1 game. He returned in Week 2 but re-aggravated the injury, forcing the team to place him on injured reserve.
Now, Johnson is expected to undergo surgery to repair the core muscle issue, according to head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears have not ruled out a late-season return, but that would require a successful recovery and some favorable scheduling luck. If surgery happens soon, Johnson must miss a minimum of four games and potentially much more depending on how his rehab progresses.
Depth Concerns Continue to Test Chicago’s Secondary
Even with Sunday’s victory, the Bears’ secondary remains thin and vulnerable. Kyler Gordon continues to recover from a hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week. With Terrell Smith already out for the season and rookie Zah Frazier on the non-football injury list, defensive coordinator Eric Washington is relying heavily on backups and young players.
That means corners like Nahshon Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and Josh Blackwell are seeing expanded roles, while practice squad elevation Dallis Flowers has been thrust into meaningful snaps. The lack of veteran depth raises serious questions about how well Chicago can hold up against elite passing attacks in the coming weeks.
Defensive Adjustments Without a Shutdown Corner
Since Johnson has not been able to play outside, Chicago‘s defense is changing. With Johnson, the Bears were able to take their best corner and put him on an opponent‘s best wide receiver. They could disguise coverages behind Johnson‘s coverage. Without that luxury, the Bears will lean more on zone coverages with double teams and safeties over the top. This diminishes their ability to blitz and take chances on the edge, and it increases their exposure to explosive plays.
However, Sunday’s victory showed that the defense is capable of adapting. The unit tightened up in coverage, limited explosive plays, and executed situations better — all positive signs that the Bears can survive without their best corner.
Young players stepped up in key moments, showing poise and discipline under pressure against a capable Raiders offense. That growth will be essential as the competition level rises in the coming weeks and the margin for error shrinks.
Recovery Timeline and Season Outlook
The big question now is when — or if — Johnson will return this season. If his surgery and rehab go smoothly, a late-season comeback is still possible. But if setbacks occur, Chicago could be without one of its most impactful defenders for the rest of the year. In the meantime, the team’s best hope is for its young corners to grow quickly, its safeties to step up in coverage, and its pass rush to apply consistent pressure.
The win over Las Vegas was a promising sign that Chicago can stay competitive even without Johnson. But with tougher opponents ahead, the true test is still coming. How well the Bears’ secondary holds together — and how effectively they compensate for Johnson’s absence — may ultimately decide whether this season remains a step forward or another rebuilding year in disguise.
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