Chicago Bears nickel corner Kyler Gordon returned from a long absence and delivered a standout performance Sunday in Atlanta, recording three sacks and two forced fumbles in a 31-23 win over the Falcons. He became the first Bears defensive back with three sacks in a game since Todd Bell in 1983, and only the third Bears player since sacks became official in 1982 to record three sacks and two forced fumbles in one game.
The return came after a frustrating stretch. Gordon did not take part in any team drills during the 2026 offseason because of a right calf injury and spent training camp on the physically unable to perform list. General manager Ryan Poles said on Sept. 1 that he did not know whether Gordon would play another down in Chicago, though he added he still had hope. Gordon had played in just five of the Bears' previous 25 games, and his teammates' faith was tested by doubts about his dependability.
Gordon, the 39th overall pick in 2022 out of Washington, is the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL at $13.3 million per year after an extension signed April 15, 2025. That deal included $31.25 million guaranteed within a three-year, $40 million package. His talent has never been questioned, but staying healthy has been a persistent problem, with multiple hamstring, calf and groin injuries, a concussion and a fracture in his right hand.
Coach Ben Johnson said Gordon was ready to go and called his impact a huge spark for the defense. Johnson added that the team has limited his role to keep him in good football shape and must keep him on the right track. Two stints on injured reserve in 2025 prompted the Bears and Gordon to examine the root of his health problems, including whether overtraining, undertraining or his own training methods were to blame.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing