Positive Injury Update for Two Bears Reserves
Ahead of the Chicago Bears' preseason Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, two reserve players showed signs of returning from injury. According to a report from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, cornerback Jaylon Jones (ankle) and offensive lineman Luke Newman (foot) both received early work on the field at Paycor Stadium with athletic trainers, indicating they are moving toward availability. Neither player has been a regular starter, but both saw action last season under head coach Ben Johnson.
Jones, a second-string cornerback who can fill in on the outside if Tyrique Stevenson or Jaylon Johnson miss time, also worked at the nickel position during training camp because starter Kyler Gordon has been out with an unspecified soft-tissue injury. Newman serves as a second-string guard and could function as the third-string center if Garrett Bradbury or Logan Jones struggle. Jones is entering his fifth NFL season in 2026, having joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022; he has played 727 defensive snaps and 848 special teams snaps across 56 appearances, including six starts. Newman, a sixth-round pick in 2025, played nine games as a rookie with 47 special teams snaps and 25 offensive snaps.
Broader Injury Landscape
The Bears have faced several injuries across the roster. Safety Coby Bryant recently had knee surgery and could miss up to six months, according to Sports Illustrated. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoff win over the Green Bay Packers and was expected to miss much of the upcoming campaign, has returned to light work this month. Center Drew Dalman retired during the offseason, prompting the Bears to trade a Day 3 pick for Bradbury and draft Logan Jones out of Iowa in the second round. Last season, the Bears finished 11-6 and won a playoff game.
Wide Receiver Luther Burden to Miss Preseason
Receiver Luther Burden is dealing with a strained groin and will miss the entire preseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reported that "Chicago WR Luther Burden III is expected to miss the preseason due to the strained groin injury he suffered Saturday, but the Bears believe he should be back for the team's regular-season opener vs. the Panthers, per sources." Fellow wideout Rome Odunze noted that Burden's recovery is "going well."
Running Back Kyle Monangai's Timeline Disputed
Running back Kyle Monangai has a hyperextended knee. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that he would miss "multiple weeks," but head coach Ben Johnson later described him as week-to-week. Sports Illustrated was cautious about the initial report, noting that Schefter had previously missed on the Coby Bryant injury, but the team's characterization suggests the injury is not long-term. Monangai's status for Week 1 remains unclear.
Kyler Gordon and PUP List Updates
Cornerback Kyler Gordon has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp due to an unspecified calf injury and has not practiced. When asked for an update, Johnson said, "There's nothing new to add right now," and added, "Yeah, I see him in the building," without providing further details. Sports Illustrated also reported that Gordon missed 14 games in 2025 due to injury.
Other PUP list players include linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, who has a back injury. NFL Network's Stacey Dales reported on Aug. 15 that he could return to practice that week, but he did not. Defensive lineman Shemar Turner is working back from a torn ACL and was doing rehab work on the side field at practice on Aug. 6.
Looking Ahead
The Bears' injury situation remains fluid as they head into their preseason game. While Jones and Newman appear close to returning, questions linger about the availability of key players like Gordon and Monangai for the regular-season opener. The team will likely provide more clarity as the preseason progresses.