LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson will open the season on the initial 53-man roster rather than finding a designation for an injury. But his status for the Sept. 8 opener isn't clear.
Johnson has spent the entire preseason on the non-football injury list while dealing with a leg injury. As the Bears form their initial active roster Tuesday, Johnson's status was one to watch closely.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson couldn't say for certain whether Johnson will be ready for the season opener against the Vikings at Soldier Field.
"That's been the target date," Ben Johnson said. "But we'll see."
Jaylon Johnson hasn't practiced with the Bears since during the offseason program. But by at least avoiding injured reserve, he will not be required to the four-week minimum absence.
The Bears are also uncertain as to what type of workload Johnson could handle given his injury.
"We’re doing as much as we can to make sure that conditioning is where it needs to be," Ben Johnson said. "But at the same time, there really is no substitute for putting on pads and playing the game at full speed. Each guy’s different, particularly guys that have had success in this league for a number of years.
"He does get a little benefit of the doubt because he’s played this game at a high level. At the same time I don’t think there’s any substitute for being able to be about there and go through the process. Training camp is a really good indication, not just for the team but for each player as you’re working through low volume, ramping on up over the course just to make sure you’re ready to take on a 17-game season. Of course, he’s missed that."
The Bears will set their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday in conjunction with the NFL's 3 p.m. CT deadline for cuts.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.