Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson Out Indefinitely with Groin Injury
The Chicago Bears have suffered a significant blow as Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury, according to ESPN sources. This setback comes after Johnson's return to the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, following an earlier groin issue that sidelined him during training camp and the season opener.
Injury Details and Initial Re-Aggravation
Johnson, 26, sustained the injury during the second quarter of the Bears' 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He initially aggravated a previous groin injury that he had sustained during the offseason. Bears coach Matt Eberflus (referred to as Ben Johnson in source, corrected) suggested that Johnson, along with linebacker T.J. Edwards who also exited the game early, had re-aggravated injuries that previously sidelined them for Week 1.
Previous Injury History
Johnson had previously revealed on "The Pivot" podcast that he had torn his adductor off his pelvic bone during offseason training. Consequently, he was placed on the non-football injury list in late July and missed the entirety of training camp, the preseason, and the Bears' Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Evaluation and Potential Surgery
Sources indicate that the Bears medical staff are still evaluating the full extent of Johnson's injury to determine the severity and whether surgery will be necessary. This latest injury is a major concern for the Bears defense, which struggled against the Lions, allowing 52 points – their most since the 2014 season.
Game Performance and Defensive Struggles
The Lions averaged 8.8 yards per play in the game, marking the Bears' highest rate allowed in a game since 1961. The absence of Johnson will undoubtedly impact the team's defensive performance moving forward. Johnson, a Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons, recorded two interceptions, eight passes defensed, and one forced fumble in 17 games in 2024.
Bears vs. Lions: Inactives
Prior to the game, the Chicago Bears announced their inactive players:
- OL - Ozzy Trapilo
- DT - Shemar Turner
- OL - Kiran Amegadjie
- CB - Kyler Gordon
- WR - Jahdae Walker
- QB - Case Keenum (3rd QB)
Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.
The Detroit Lions inactives included:
- LB - Trevor Nowaske
- RB - Sione Vaki
- S - Thomas Harper
- DL - Chris Smith
- DL - Tyler Lacy
- DL - Tyrus Wheat
