Chicago Bears Get Crucial Help Ahead Of Vikings Showdown

Starting 0-4 is pretty much a death sentence for most NFL teams. Climbing out of such a deep hole is almost impossible. Still, the Chicago Bears seem more than willing to try. Their 40-20 crushing of the Washington Commanders proved they still have plenty of fight left. Justin Fields and the offense seem to have found some footing after an ugly first three games. The big question hovering around any in-season turnaround is the defense. While it still has questions about its pass rush, the primary concern has been the rash of injuries in the secondary.

Thankfully, that problem took a step in a positive direction. Nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon has been on Injured Reserve for the past month with a broken hand. The Bears announced on Monday that he was designated for return. He has 21 days to show he's ready to be activated to the main roster. Barring any setbacks, he will likely suit up for the Bears on Sunday against Minnesota.

Not only that, but the team also brought in some help at running back. Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson both left the Washington game with injuries. Herbert is expected to miss multiple weeks. So, the team brought back veteran Darrynton Evans to help.

The Chicago Bears might be getting healthy at the right time.

Nickel corner was a problem for them in Gordon's absence. Having him back should ease the problems on the outside for rookies Terell Smith and Tyrique Stevenson. The news gets better, too. Jaylon Johnson said he also plans to play Sunday after battling after missing the past two games with a hamstring problem. That would bring the Bears' secondary almost back to full strength. Only Eddie Jackson remains uncertain with his foot injury. Having them back would make the prospects for a win on Sunday far greater.

This is doubly so because star Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson left the game against Kansas City last weekend with a hamstring injury. There is a possibility he won't play. Not having to deal with him would make life so much easier for the Chicago Bears defense. If Evans can help keep the ground game churning and Fields keeps balling, this team might start looking like what everybody expected before the season began. Not great, but certainly better than they were a year ago.