The Chicago Bears could have an unexpected absence from their lineup against the Detroit Lions in Week 16 amid questions about Jaylon Johnson’s status.
Johnson — the Bears’ $76 million star cornerback — did not participate in Friday’s final practice of the week because of an illness, prompting the team to add him to the injury report and list him as “questionable” to play in Sunday’s home game against the Lions.
Johnson is a team captain and one of the Bears’ most reliable defensive players, making the possibility of his absence a significant problem for a defense that has regressed from its stout early-season form. The Lions also house one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL, leading the league in scoring and rating second in passing and total yardage.
Should Johnson not play, the Bears will likely have to turn to second-year cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith as starters on the perimeter against the Lions. Josh Blackwell and Ameer Speed are the only other two backups on Chicago’s 53-man roster while Kyler Gordon is situated in the slot role, where he has thrived throughout 2024.
The Bears (4-10) will host the Lions (12-2) at Soldier Field on Sunday, December 22, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time for their final matchup of the 2024 season.
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