Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson’s 2-word message to Kyler Gordon feels like a threat

Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon is set to start training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list after missing time at OTAs and mandatory minicamp with a soft-tissue injury, months after he only played in three regular season games thanks to similar problems.

On Tuesday, Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson talked about Gordon’s situation, with one voice appearing to sound much more harsh than the other.

“He’s frustrated. We’re frustrated. We just want him back,” Poles said of Gordon during Tuesday’s news conference, via Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune.

Johnson told reporters his message to Gordon had two words.

“Get healthy,” Johnson said, via Zack Pearson.

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Johnson’s soundbite sounds more like a threat to Gordon, who could decide to cut bait with the cornerback before the beginning of the league new year in 2027, saving $10 million for a talented but often-injured athlete.

Earlier this spring, Johnson admitted both parties were frustrated with how last season went.

“We spoke last year, and neither one of us was really happy with how it went just from a perspective of being available to get to know each other,” Johnson said. “I think he only played in three games when I look back at it, and so, you know, this spring was going to be a springboard for us to get going in the right direction.

“We’re still working through that. We’re still trying to get that availability piece going. We know he’s a good player when he’s out there, but trust level is a huge thing for this team, for this coaching staff, for the locker room, and you can only develop that trust by being available.”

Johnson wasn’t the head coach when Poles took Gordon in the second round of the 2026 draft. He was Poles’ first pick as GM, and showed enough talent to earn a three-year $40 million contract extension.

But the results haven’t been good under Johnson, and Gordon will have to turn things around this fall to stay on the Bears.

To do so, he’ll have to get on the field first.

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