LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson knew well last week that he wouldn't play in the team's season opener. This week, he's raring to return.
Johnson is set to play when the Bears visit the Lions on Sunday after he missed opener due to a groin injury, which he suffered while training in July. The question for Johnson in recent days was whether he'd get through practice feeling well, and he has done that. He didn't have an injury designation as the injury report was released Friday.
"I’m very happy with him," Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. "He comes out, he’s got a swagger to him. Confidence, he’s not afraid to talk a little bit. That’s what I feel immediately is just the presence out there. When you watch the tape yesterday, he’s very sticky. We like to eliminate the space in our coverages, and so I think he’s going to be a really good fit for us this week."
The Bears turned to reserve cornerback Nahshon Wright in place of Johnson in their 27-24 loss to the Vikings on Monday at Soldier Field. Wright had a crucial pick-six in the third quarter but also struggled at times in coverage. It's unclear what Wright's role will be for the Bears with Johnson returning.
Elsewhere on the injury report, the Bears listed linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), receiver DJ Moore (abdomen/groin), Roschon Johnson (foot) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (groin) without injury designations, meaning they're in line to play.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) is questionable after being a limited participant in practice Friday, and rookie receiver Jahdae Walker (ankle) is doubtful.
Nickelback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) was ruled out. He also missed the season opener.
The Bears (0-1) and Lions (0-1) will kick off at noon CT on Sunday from Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.