Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon has recently captured attention with a workout video that suggests he may be on the mend from a lingering calf injury. The Bears have expressed uncertainty about his availability for the 2026 NFL season, but the footage shared by rehabilitation specialist Thoth (@footdoctor_moe) on Instagram provides a glimmer of hope for fans and the organization alike.
Gordon, who is in the first year of a lucrative $40 million contract extension, has not participated in any team activities for several months. His absence has been felt keenly by the Bears, as he missed the entire offseason program and the summer training camp due to his injury. The situation escalated when the team placed him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list during roster cuts, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the 2026 regular season.
Despite the setback, the recent videos indicate that Gordon is making progress in his recovery. The clips show him engaging in various drills, which could be a positive sign for his return. However, the Bears have been cautious, as Gordon's calf injury has evolved from a minor concern to a more serious issue, leading to frustration within the organization.
Initially, the Bears were optimistic about Gordon's recovery timeline, believing he would be ready for training camp in late July. However, as the summer progressed, it became clear that he had not sufficiently healed, prompting the team to place him on the PUP list without a definitive timeline for his return. This uncertainty has left the Bears in a precarious position as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed the situation on September 1, expressing hope that Gordon would return to the field. "I don’t know, I would hope so. I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing football there," he said. However, the lack of clarity surrounding Gordon's recovery has added to the team's concerns.
Poles also acknowledged a disconnect between the team and Gordon regarding the severity of his injury. He indicated that Gordon's desire to push through discomfort has complicated his recovery process. "Any time you have an injury and you’re coming back from something, there’s discomfort you have to push through. And that’s what it comes down to, so we haven’t been able to get over that hump and we’re not progressing as fast as we would like," Poles remarked.
As it stands, the Bears will be without Gordon for at least the first month of the regular season, and the prospect of a longer absence raises significant questions about his future with the team. While the Bears could explore trading him to free up cap space, it is unlikely that any team would take a risk on a cornerback who is currently injured. The financial implications of releasing Gordon are also daunting, as it would result in a substantial dead-cap hit.
For now, the Bears are left to hope for Gordon's return, as his presence on the field is crucial for their defensive strategy. As the season approaches, the team and its fans will be closely monitoring his recovery progress, hoping that the workout videos are a sign of better days ahead.
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