Bears’ Johnson, Gordon expected to return this season

Bears head coach Ben Johnson on Wednesday said cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are on a good path in their respective recoveries and he expects them back by the end of this season.

“But kinda to-be-determined on when those clocks will start ticking here,” Ben Johnson said.

Johnson has been out since Week 2 when he suffered a groin injury against the Detroit Lions that required surgery. He had missed all of training camp and the season-opener against the Vikings with separate groin and calf injuries. Ben Johnson said he saw the defensive back in the weight room Wednesday.

Gordon missed the first four games of the season after he reaggravated a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp. He played in two games before suffering a groin/calf injury during practice after playing against the New Orleans Saints. The Bears placed Gordon on injured reserve on Oct. 25, and Ben Johnson thought it would be a shorter stint.

“We’re still thinking that,” Ben said. “Yeah, we’re still thinking that. I can’t tell you exactly when but hopefully in the near future here.”

The Bears were out a bunch of starters Wednesday as they returned to practice ahead of playing the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder), Rome Odunze (ankle) and Jahdae Walker (concussion), cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder), safeties Kevin Byard (rest) and Jaquan Brisker (back), linebacker T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (rest) didn’t practice.

Tight end Cole Kmet (back), running back D’Andre Swift (hip), and defensive end Dominique Robinson (ankle) were limited. Cornerback Josh Blackwell (concussion) returned to practice while linebacker Ruben Hyppolite (knee) was also full after leaving Sunday’s game.