The Chicago Bears‘ offense has been the headline for much of the 2025 season. While Ben Johnson’s impact can be directly correlated to that success, in their Wild Card Weekend matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the outcome will most likely come down to their defensive performance. Ahead of the big matchup, the Bears reported that defensive back Kyler Gordon is officially activated and set to return against the Packers. Gordon has missed a majority of the season with hamstring, calf, and groin injuries, but his return from injured reserve couldn’t have come at a better time. When all is said and done, Gordon could prove to be the X-factor the defense needed.
Gordon’s return came at the perfect time, as defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been ruled out with a concussion. Gordon offers a versatile presence for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who is known for his aggressive man-coverage-heavy scheme.
In 2024, Kyler Gordon was the league’s 12th-highest graded cornerback and Chicago’s second-best coverage defender according to Pro Football Focus. Across 15 games, Gordon only allowed 41 receptions for 472 yards and a single touchdown, while recording 75 tackles, five pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. His coverage skills and turnover ability offer a huge boost to the Chicago secondary.
Gordon is known as a sticky defender who has had great success, specifically against Jordan Love and the Packers. In 2024, Gordon had his third-highest rated performance of the season in the Bears’ Week 18 season final against Green Bay.
The Packers haven’t seen Gordon since their 2024 Week 18 clash, and his addition to the Bears’ defense could be the perfect disruptor to the Packers’ offense.
Bears’ Final Injury Report Offers More Good News
GettyChicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has 661 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025.
On top of Gordon, the Bears’ injury report also provided other updates on key players for the team.
The Bears’ wide receiving core is set to be all systems go as Rome Odunze was a full participant in the team’s final practice and plans to return from a stress fracture in his foot that his kept him out since Week 13.
DJ Moore was also a full participant after being limited with a knee injury, and Jahdae Walker appears good to go after managing an illness that kept him out of Tuesday’s practice.
Along the offensive line, tackle Braxton Jones is officially out for Saturday despite returning from injured reserve following a knee injury. The good news is that starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is set to return after missing Week 18 with a quad injury.
On the defensive side, Jaylon Jones (ankle), Nick McCloud (illness), and Grady Jarrett (rest) have all been cleared to play as well.
Chicago will be mostly intact as they prepare to defend their division title and home field as the Packers come to town.
The Stage Is Officially Set
Across 212 prior matchups, this is only set to be the Bears and Packers’ third time meeting in the postseason. This is the third time these teams will meet this season, and despite it being for a Wild Card bout, expect a championship-level atmosphere in Soldier Field. After being the only NFC North team not to make the postseason a year ago, the Bears are looking to be the only one remaining as the Ben Johnson era makes their playoff debut at 8 PM Eastern on Amazon Prime Video.
Bears’ Key Starter Set to Return For Packers Showdown