Jaylon Johnson May Not Be Part Of The Bears Squad To Play Against The Vikings
Chicago Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson is officially listed as questionable for the team’s highly anticipated Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. After missing all of training camp and the preseason with calf and groin injuries, his status for the Monday night opener is a major question mark for the Bears’ defense.
Johnson, a key component of Chicago’s secondary, has been a limited participant in practice this week. While he has expressed optimism about his chances of playing, head coach Ben Johnson has emphasized a cautious approach. The team is concerned about his conditioning and wants to avoid a re-aggravation of his injuries. The decision on his availability is expected to be a game-time call.
His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Bears, especially with Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson on the other side of the field. Without their top cornerback, the Bears’ defense would be forced to rely on a mix of younger and less-experienced players to cover one of the NFL’s most dangerous offensive weapons. The defensive game plan would undoubtedly need to be adjusted, likely requiring more help over the top for the remaining cornerbacks.
While the team is hopeful for his return, they have spent the entire offseason preparing to play without him, which should soften the impact. Regardless, the Bears will be facing an uphill battle on Monday if their Pro Bowl corner is not on the field to start the season. The final word on his status will be one of the most closely watched stories leading up to kickoff.