NFL16 min ago2 minute read

Kyler Gordon Returns Strong in Bears Win Over Falcons

Kyler Gordon sparked the Chicago Bears defense with three sacks after missing time with multiple injuries.

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A big defensive performance

Kyler Gordon made an immediate impact in his season debut on Sunday in Atlanta. The Chicago Bears slot cornerback recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles to help Chicago earn a 31-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Gordon became the first Bears defensive back with three sacks in a single game since Todd Bell in 1983. He is also only the third Chicago player since 1982 to record three sacks and two forced fumbles in a single game. Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted that Gordon provided a huge spark for the defense after being activated on Saturday.

The road back to the field

Gordon had faced a tough path back to action. Before Sunday, he had played in only five of Chicago's previous 25 games. He missed all team drills in the 2026 offseason because of a right calf injury and spent time on the reserve PUP list, forcing him to miss the first four games of the season.

His recovery involved several specialists and meetings. A source revealed that his calf and hamstring issues stemmed from a glute firing problem. Gordon stayed in the Chicagoland area to work on body alignment with trainer Montel Fleming, who also works with teammates like Jaylon Johnson, Cam Lewis, and D'Andre Swift.

General manager Ryan Poles had cast doubt on Gordon's future on Sept. 1 when he said "I don't know" regarding whether Gordon would play another down for Chicago. Gordon signed a three year extension worth $40 million with $31.25 million guaranteed on April 15, 2025.

Support inside the locker room

Despite outside chatter and public comments from management, Gordon's teammates maintained their belief in him. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson commended Gordon for working hard to get back on the field. Defensive end Daniel Hardy added that Gordon put his heart and soul on tape during his return.

Gordon explained after the game that he cannot control what other people say and focused on doing his job to the best of his ability. Coach Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping Gordon on the right track and managing his workload after limiting his snaps in Atlanta.

What it means for the next game

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (NFL, Fri, 23 Oct): Chicago Bears win 54%, New England Patriots win 46%; projected score Chicago Bears 26, New England Patriots 22. Our safest pick: Under 56.5 points.