‘Helping Us Win a Lot of Games’ — Dennis Allen Sets High Expectations for Kyler Gordon’s Return

The Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon is finally back on the practice field, and the Bears are not hiding how much they still expect from him.

Gordon has spent most of the season dealing with a calf injury and missed training camp while working away from the team with his own medical and training personnel. Now that he is back, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen made it clear that the Bears still see a significant role for the veteran cornerback once he is ready.

Dennis Allen Sets Clear Standard for Kyler Gordon's Bears Return

The Bears opened Gordon's 21-day practice window this week, giving the team time to evaluate him before deciding when to activate him. He has been a full participant since returning; however, Allen wants to make sure Gordon can handle the demands of playing football again before putting him into a game.

The biggest concern is not Gordon's ability. The defensive coordinator said his confidence in the cornerback has never changed.

"I've got extreme confidence in what he can do when he's on the field, that's never wavered. The biggest thing for Kyler is being able to stay healthy, and that's where our focus is. Once he gets into football shape and stays healthy, I see him getting back on the field and helping us win a lot of games."

Allen also said Gordon looked good during his first work back with the defense. The Bears gave him some extra work on Wednesday, and the coordinator liked what he saw from the way Gordon moved.

Gordon has missed extensive time o ver the past two seasons. A groin injury limited him to three regular-season games and two playoff appearances last year, and the calf issue kept him out of the offseason program, training camp, and the start of this season.

The Bears now have 21 days to decide when he is ready. Allen said the team will use that time to evaluate Gordon's physical condition, with the hope that he can return sooner rather than later.

As for the Bears, getting Gordon back could also change how the secondary is arranged. Rookie Malik Muhammad has taken snaps in the slot while Gordon has been unavailable. Muhammad has shown enough to earn more opportunities, and he also has experience playing outside. That gives the Bears some flexibility if Gordon eventually returns to his familiar nickel role.

Allen has already seen Muhammad step in when needed. With Tyrique Stevenson dealing with a hamstring issue earlier in the week, Muhammad received another opportunity and handled it well.

The CB value goes beyond simply f illing the slot. Allen has used him as a blitzer and can move him around the formation because of his athleticism. The Bears signed him to a three-year, $40M extension in 2024 because they viewed him as an important part of the defense.

Gordon will not play against the Jets this week; however, the Bears can potentially have him available for their Week 5 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.