Kyler Gordon’s night ended early in Tampa Bay, and the Bears’ secondary suddenly looks even thinner.
The Chicago cornerback, who has been a standout since returning for his season debut, went down just as the second half began against the Buccaneers in Week 9. Gordon was hurt while trying to defend a 58-yard catch by Tez Johnson from Baker Mayfield. At first glance, it looked like he was favoring his left arm.
Gordon had already given the Bears a huge lift after coming back from a long injury rehab, and his debut against the Atlanta Falcons - a 3-sack performance - was one of the biggest individual stories of Chicago’s season. He has been a major part of the defense’s turnaround, along with the addition of Jeffery Simmons.
The latest update came at 9:17 p.m. CT, when Gordon spent time in the blue medical tent before heading back to the locker room. He was seen walking on his own.
Chicago’s cornerback depth took another hit earlier in the game when Tyrique Stevenson exited just before halftime with what the team is calling a hand injury. Stevenson was initially listed as questionable to return.
That leaves the Bears with Jaylon Johnson, Clark Phillips and Josh Blackwell as the only other active cornerbacks.
The state of the room was already a concern before Sunday Night Football, with Johnson and Stevenson both struggling this season and fans pushing for help at the trade deadline. After what happened against Tampa Bay, that pressure only grew.
Now the message is pretty clear: Ryan Poles needs to add a cornerback before Tuesday’s deadline.
There are a few names out there, including Donte Jackson fo the Los Angeles Chargers, Riq Woolen of the Philadelphia Eagles and Alontae Taylor of the Tennessee Titans. A reunion with Nahshon Wright, now with the New York Jets, is also possible.
Any of those options should cost a Day 3 pick, and probably no more than a fifth- or sixth-rounder. If Poles can land one, or even more than one, he should make the move.
Chicago already went all-in with the Simmons trade. With Gordon now leaving the game and Stevenson also sidelined, the Bears’ cornerback group looks like an even bigger problem than it did a few hours ago.
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If the Bears do decide to shop for help, the market could include a few intriguing names who fit different parts of the defensive puzzle. Donte Jackson, Riq Woolen and Nahshon Wright have all been floated as possible targets, each bringing a different blend of size, speed or scheme versatility, and the question now is whether Chicago sees enough urgency to move fast before other teams start driving the price up. [Read more 🡒]
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The next step looks tougher. Tampa Bay brings one of the stronger defenses the Bears have seen during this stretch, and it will be a useful measuring stick for Williams as he continues to build rhythm under the lights. Chicago has found some offensive traction with him back in the lineup, but this matchup should show how much of that production can travel against a higher-level opponent. [Read more 🡒]