LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears are close to having their starting secondary back in action together.
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring), safety Eddie Jackson (left foot) and nickelback Kyler Gordon (hand) returned to practice Wednesday in a limited fashion. Rookie cornerback Terrell Smith (ankle) was also a limited participant.
The Bears haven't had their entire starting secondary — Johnson, Jackson, Gordon, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and safety Jaquan Brisker — healthy since losing to the Packers on Sept. 10 in their season opener.
The Bears have until Saturday at 3 p.m. CT to activate Gordon from injured reserve for him to be eligible to play against the Vikings on Sunday. The team opened a 21-day window for his activation Monday.
Bears running back Khalil Herbert (ankle) was sidelined from practice Wednesday and is expected to miss time. Herbert suffered an ankle sprain in Chicago's win at Washington last Thursday. The Bears haven't placed him on injured reserve, an indication they believe he needs to miss fewer than four games.
The Bears listed tight end Cole Kmet (hamstring) as limited in practice Wednesday. He wasn't previously on the team's injury report. Center Lucas Patrick (concussion), running back Roschon Johnson (concussion), running back Travis Homer (hamstring) and receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring) didn't practice.
On Wednesday, the Vikings officially placed star receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss a minimum of four games — including against the Bears on Sunday.
The Bears (1-4) and Vikings (1-4) are set to kick off at noon Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.