LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — It's possible the Bears could have two key reinforcements back for their defense against the Eagles on Friday.
Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson and nickelback Kyler Gordon both again practiced fully Wednesday and may be in line to return. The team must activate each player from injured reserve by 3 p.m. CT Thursday for them to play in Philadelphia on Friday.
Coach Ben Johnson declined to offer updates on their statuses, though he left open the possibility of each player returning. On Wednesday, the team held its lone full practice of the week.
“We've got a plan in place for them, and we're really right on track with what we're hoping to get done with them," Johnson said. "So, we'll know soon enough.”
The Bears designated Jaylon Johnson for a return from injured reserve back on Nov 14, about two months after he suffered a significant groin injury and later underwent core muscle surgery. He returned as a full participant in practice last week.
Gordon was designated for a return from injured reserve on Nov. 19. He was a full participant in practice last week as well.
The Bears practiced Wednesday without cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (hip), linebacker T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring), linebacker Ruben Hyppolite (shoulder), guard Luke Newman (foot), defensive end Dominique Robinson (concussion) and linebacker Noah Sewell (elbow). Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (hand) was a limited participant.
The Bears (8-3) and Eagles (8-3) will kick off at 2 p.m. CT on Friday in Philadelphia.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.