Johnson (illness) did not practice Friday and is questionable for Chicago's Week 16 game against the Lions. Johnson popped up on Chicago's injury report on Friday with an apparent illness, and he's now at risk of missing the conference matchup versus Detroit. The fifth-year cornerback has not yet missed an outing this season, and his status should be determined pre-kickoff on Sunday morning.
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Status
QUESTIONABLE - Illness - Not Specified Expected Return: 2024-12-22Latest Jaylon Johnson news
Team
Chicago Bears
Birthdate
4/19/1999 (25)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'0", 196 lbs
Draft Info
2020: Rd 2; Pk (CHI)
Birthplace
Fresno, CA, USA
Position
DB
College
Utah
Experience
5 seasons
Career History
Chicago Bears
2020-Present
(5 seasons)
Johnson (illness) did not practice Friday and is questionable for Chicago's Week 16 game against the Lions. Johnson popped up on Chicago's injury report on Friday with an apparent illness, and he's now at risk of missing the conference matchup versus Detroit. The fifth-year cornerback has not yet missed an outing this season, and his status should be determined pre-kickoff on Sunday morning.
Johnson intercepted a pass and posted two tackles in the Bears' 21-16 loss to the Colts on Sunday. With just five tackles over the first three games of the season, Johnson will need to continue picking off passes to have enough IDP value to be a reliable fantasy starter. However, Johnson has intercepted seven passes in his six years in the league, so it's unlikely he posts big interception numbers.
Johnson recorded three tackles and an interception in the Bears' 24-17 win over the Titans on Sunday. After posting a career-high four interceptions in 2023, Johnson started out the new season on a high note. Also, Johnson averaged 2.57 tackles last year, so his tackle production in this game was in line with previous levels. Based on his moderate tackle totals, Johnson is often reliant upon interceptions to have strong fantasy performances.
Johnson had a career year in 2023 with four picks while recording 36 tackles, a touchdown and a forced fumble. The Bears then signed the cornerback to a four-year deal in March. Johnson is being counted on to be the Bears' top coverage cornerback on the outside. The main concern with the veteran is missed time. Johnson has missed at least two games in each of his four seasons. In total, he has missed 14 games since 2020. Johnson has averaged 2.84 tackles over the past two seasons. Unless he can improve on those tackle totals, Johnson will remain a low-ceiling IDP.
Johnson (shoulder) and the Bears agreed to terms on a four-year, $76 million contract extension Thursday, Jordan Schultz of BleacherReport.com reports. Johnson, whom Chicago extended the franchise tag to Tuesday, is instead sticking around on a multi-year contract that includes $43.8 million guaranteed at signing, per Schultz. A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Johnson is now being paid as one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks, a level which he played up to last season. His presence provides the Bears with a reliable pillar in the secondary, one which the rest of the defense can be built around, health provided. Across his four years in the league, Johnson -- who is presumably past the shoulder issue that sidelined him in Week 18 last season -- has managed to suit up for 13, 15, 11, and 14 regular-season games.
Chicago is placing the franchise tag on Johnson (shoulder) on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The Bears are still reportedly optimistic about negotiating a long-term extension with Johnson, which both sides will have until mid-July to finalize. If no multi-year deal is reached, however, Johnson is now positioned to play out the 2024 campaign on a one-year, fully guaranteed contract of $19.8 million. Johnson racked up 36 tackles, 10 passes defended and four interceptions across 14 games in 2023, missing Chicago's regular-season finale due to a shoulder injury.