Bears' Poles and Johnson frustrated by Gordon's latest injury as camp begins

Kyler Gordon opened Chicago Bears training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelined by a calf injury that kept him out of spring workouts and minicamp. The placement marks another stall in the recovery timeline for the defensive back who signed a three-year, $40 million extension in April 2025 and holds the designation of the NFL's highest-paid nickel cornerback at the time of that deal, according to ESPN's reporting.

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson did not hide their frustration. Poles described Gordon's injury situation as a repetitive problem the organization must fix, noting that a training plan devised by Bears staff has not worked as intended. Johnson's directive to Gordon was direct: Get healthy. The timetable for Gordon's return remains unknown.

Gordon, Poles' first draft pick as Bears GM in 2022 (second round), has recorded 214 tackles, five interceptions, 2.5 sacks, 17 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries over four seasons with Chicago. But durability has eroded his value. He missed the majority of training camp last year and appeared in five games before landing on injured reserve multiple times, per ESPN. When Gordon does return, Poles said he will have to earn back trust and dependability.

The Bears face a secondary depth problem that compounds the loss. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was signed to fill the void after Gordon hit injured reserve in October 2025, appearing in ten games with seven starts. But Gardner-Johnson has since moved to the Buffalo Bills. The team does not have the same quality of depth at nickel this year. Josh Blackwell and rookie Malik Muhammad, both cornerbacks with sparse slot experience, may be asked to fill the gap during camp and into the season.

Poles acknowledged that responsibility for Gordon's struggles extends to the organization. He said the Bears' own training plan hasn't stuck, suggesting the issue is not purely a player durability problem but a shared challenge in keeping the defender healthy and available. Still, Poles made clear the accountability runs both ways: Gordon has got to get right, and when he gets back, he needs to stay back.