Nick McCloud: Everything you need to know

McCloud (groin) recorded 27 total tackles (18 solo) and two passes defensed over 15 regular-season games in 2025. The 27-year-old from Notre Dame sustained a groin injury in Chicago's wild-card win over the Packers that held him out of the divisional-round loss to the Rams. McCloud emerged as one of the Bears' top reserve corners, making four starts while filling in for the injured Kyler Gordon during the regular season. He played 431 defensive snaps this season after totaling just 214 defensive snaps across 15 appearances with the Giants and 49ers in 2024. McCloud signed a one-year deal with the Bears in March of last year, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He's expected to find work as a reserve corner and special-teams contributor ahead of the 2026 season.

McCloud (groin) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's divisional-round matchup against the Rams. McCloud didn't practice all week with an apparent groin injury, so it's no surprise he won't play in Sunday's playoff contest. While the Notre Dame product is sidelined, expect C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Josh Blackwell to operate as the Bears' top slot corners during the divisional round.

McCloud (groin) was estimated as a non-participant for Chicago's walkthrough practice Wednesday. McCloud played 20 defensive snaps in Chicago's wild card victory versus the Packers, but now his status for the Divisional Round is in jeopardy due to a groin injury. He'll probably have to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to play Sunday versus the Rams.