The Chicago Bears extended Kyler Gordon for obvious reasons. He is an immensely talented football player, one of the better nickel cornerbacks in the league. His versatility is hard to replicate, which is why coaches love him. Unfortunately, the former 2nd round pick is fast developing a reputation no player wants to have: injury-prone. This season has reinforced that label more than ever. Since week two of the season, Gordon has missed eight games with various injuries. All were of the soft tissue variety. First, it was a groin problem, then a hamstring issue, and finally a calf injury.
Last week, against the Philadelphia Eagles, was his first game back in over a month. The timing felt good. Perhaps they'd have him just in time for the stretch run. Then, as has become too familiar, the Bears were hit with bad news. Gordon reportedly suffered another groin injury during pre-game warmups against the Green Bay Packers. He was forced to sit out the game, leaving his status moving forward in question. It would be one thing if this were one injury. Instead, it's been several, and this isn't an isolated incident.
Kyler Gordon is becoming unreliable.
GM Ryan Poles mentioned a popular NFL saying. "The best ability is availability." If you can find a way to suit up on a semi-regular basis for your team, the organization is obligated to find somebody who will. Kyler Gordon wasn't hit with a streak of bad luck. This problem has persisted since the Bears drafted him. He missed three games in 2022, four games in 2023, and two games in 2024. The guy can't stay healthy. As good as he can be when playing, Chicago is paying him way too much money to keep holding that spot open for him.
So what do they do? Cutting him next year is not possible. The only way they could unload him is with a post-June 1st trade. Truth be told, the Bears likely won't do that. They are likely sticking with him for another year. That being said, don't be surprised if they invest in some added cornerback help, looking to create some competition and depth. The times of trusting him to stay on the field are over.
