The Chicago Bears are getting set to host their first playoff game since 2019, and they’re likely going to be missing a key player in the middle of the secondary.
Nickel corner C.J. Gardner-Johnson entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after Chicago’s 19-16 Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions. Head coach Ben Johnson confirmed on Monday that Gardner-Johnson is now in protocol, which puts his availability for the short-week wild-card matchup in doubt.
The Bears will face the rival Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on January 10 in a rare postseason chapter of the league’s oldest rivalry.
“Nickel cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson left the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion and looked to be in a rough way. He wasn’t moving in a straight line toward the Bears sideline,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote on January 5, adding a glimmer of encouragment for Bears fans:
“The hope is Kyler Gordon will return from injured reserve for the second time this season.”
Bears DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson Is in Concussion Protocol: Will He Play in the Wild Card Round vs. Green Bay Packers?
GettyBears DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson is in the concussion protocol and will likely miss the team’s wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
If Gardner-Johnson cannot clear the league’s return-to-play steps in time — and it would be a surprise if he can — it’ll be a big blow for the secondary. After joining the Bears midseason and sliding into the nickel role, Gardner-Johnson became an active part of Dennis Allen’s pressure packages and coverage checks. In 10 games with Chicago this year, he finished with 51 tackles, 3.0 sacks, four passes defended and two interceptions, returning those picks for 60 yards.
One of those was off the arm of Packers QB Jordan Love.
“I just want to help win,” CJGJ said back in October, via CBS News. “Won a Super Bowl last year. Sometimes it’s not about being the star on the team, it’s about being the guy to get things done the right way and helping get things done the right way and being on a Super Bowl team last year, you could see how guys go about things.”
Allen and CJGJ have a history after working in New Orleans together for several years, where Allen coached him early in his career. The Bears DC knows better than anyone how to use Gardner-Johnson, who is a versatile and fiery talent. If nothing else, the Bears will miss that competitive attitude when the Packers arrive.
Kyler Gordon Playing Would Be Huge for Chicago
Gordon has spent the past month on injured reserve with a groin issue, and has played only three games this season. When speaking to the media Monday, Johnson said the team hopes Gordon can return to practice this week—an encouraging sign, even if it comes with no guarantees.
Chicago’s depth at nickel is extremely thin if CJGJ can’t go. Gordon and Gardner-Johnson are the top two options inside, with Nick McCloud next in line. Josh Blackwell is also in the mix.
There’s no doubt Gordon is a complete difference-maker when he’s healthy, and even if he’s not 100%, he’s one of the more athletic and versatile pieces Allen has on defense. Gordon is good against the run and the pass, and with Gardner-Johnson ailing, it would be a huge break for the Bears to have Gordon available. We’ll see how it goes.
Bears Dealt Crushing Injury Blow Ahead of Huge Wild-Card Game vs. Packers