Bears’ Johnson ready to hit the ground running after missing camp with groin injury

For the past six weeks, cornerback Jaylon Johnson was forced into a backseat view of the Bears’ first training camp under head coach Ben Johnson. He’s hoping to get the firsthand experience this week.

Jaylon Johnson met with reporters Tuesday for the first time since camp started and disclosed he suffered a groin injury over the offseason that kept him away from practice all of camp. He’s hoping to be ready for the Bears’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

“I’m doing everything I can to play,” Jaylon Johnson said at Halas Hall. “I know I had a good workout this morning, so I’m feeling good, probably the best I felt all (training camp), but just trying to do everything I can to be back.”

Johnson said he suffered the “freak” injury when he was doing releases while working out with wide receivers. It was the same movement Johnson said he’s made plenty of times. But when it happened, he knew instantly it would keep him away from the field for a while.

The Bears placed him on the non-football injury list at the start of camp, which limited his time with his teammates. He was allowed to be a part of meetings but mostly spent time with the strength conditioning team in the training room.

“It was just like in that moment, just letting God work through me and around me in whatever way it looked like, whatever he was protecting me from, or preparing me for, I was taking it head-on,” Johnson said. “So, it’s definitely been a journey.”

On top of Johnson’s injury, the Bears were also without nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon with a hamstring injury for parts of camp. Backup cornerback Terell Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Johnson said his availability for Monday’s game will depend on how he’s feeling throughout the week. The Bears activated him from the NFI list last week.

“Whenever a guy misses that significant amount of time, you’re very cautious in making sure that injury doesn’t recur again,” Ben Johnson said. “I know he’s feeling significantly better than obviously he was from the start. We’ll see what he looks like moving around and hopefully take it from there. I know he’s excited to get back out with his teammates here soon.”

Whenever he does come back, Johnson’s looking forward to playing in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system. The defense calls for plenty of man-to-man coverage and Johnson will want to prove he can excel as a former All-Pro and Pro Bowler.

The secondary has looked good during camp with cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright stepping in and safety Jaquan Brisker coming back to the field. Johnson’s trying to contribute as quick as he can.

“I loved it,” Johnson said of the defense. “I think it’s one of those things where it’s energy-driven.”

Jones at left tackle

Ben Johnson announced Tuesday that Braxton Jones will start at left tackle against the Vikings.

“He knows what he’s doing,” Johnson said. “Is it perfect every play? No, it’s not. But we did see the execution go up over the course of the last few weeks. So there is a trust level in him knowing what to do.”

Jones will start after competing for the spot against rookie Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie. He started 40 games at left tackle over the past three seasons after the Bears drafted him in the fifth round in 2022 out of Southern Utah.

Although Jones was named the starter, it isn’t set in stone. Johnson previously said the competition could continue into the season if the Bears don’t see what they like.

But Jones was proud of how he competed to get his old spot back after he suffered a severe ankle injury toward the end of last season.

“I do feel that way,” Jones said. “Obviously if there’s still something to be shown, there’s still something to be shown. But regardless of the case I’ve shown up each week and, coming back from this injury, done everything I can and I’m still getting there, too.”

Bears name captains

Ben Johnson announced Tuesday who the players voted to be captains this season.

Quarterback Caleb Williams, offensive lineman Joe Thuney, safety Kevin Byard, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and kicker Cairo Santos were voted to be captains by their teammates. Johnson also announced there would be an additional weekly captain.

“It was good to see those guys kind of rally around that crew,” Ben Johnson said. “Lot of respect for that voting process and to be well respected by your peers like that goes a long way.”