Poles and Johnson address roster moves and injuries

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson met with reporters Tuesday at Halas Hall, two days after the team trimmed its training camp roster from 90 players to 53. The Bears made additional moves since the deadline, including placing players on injured reserve and adding to the active roster, as they prepare for their Sept. 13 season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Poles expressed confidence that the team can defend its NFC North title, pointing to the development of quarterback Caleb Williams as the primary reason for optimism. Williams, entering his third NFL season and second under Johnson, threw only five passes in the preseason.

"I think the first year, he was white-knuckling the whole time, trying to figure it out, trying to do it right," Poles said. "He continues to do that, wanting to do it right, but I think you see that joy back in his game where he's playing free."

Johnson echoed that assessment, describing Williams as "very composed" and "more serious" than in his first year. "This guy, you know, might have had a little bit of goofy to him a year ago. And I use that term with love," Johnson said. "And now you just see a more serious player and intent every time I'm around him. And I think his teammates feel that as well."

Johnson also expressed confidence in the offense's ability to score points, a key factor given the uncertainty in the secondary.

Gordon's injury remains a concern

One of the team's biggest question marks is the status of nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, who missed all of training camp with a calf injury. Gordon also missed 14 regular-season games last season with a groin injury and appeared in only five total games in the regular season and postseason.

Poles said he remains hopeful Gordon will play this season but acknowledged the rehab has not progressed as quickly as the team would like. "I don't know," Poles said when asked if Gordon would play. "I hope so. I still have hope there. He's going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing football again."

Poles elaborated on the challenges of returning from injury. "Any time you have an injury and you're coming back from something, there's discomfort that you have to push through and that's what it comes down to," he said. "So we haven't been able to get over that hump and we're not progressing as fast as we'd like."

Gordon has been around the team during camp and traveled with the Bears for their joint practice and game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the preseason.

Dexter trade reshapes defensive line

The Bears traded 2023 second-round draft pick Gervon Dexter to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, receiving cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick in return. Poles said the trade allows more playing time for young defensive tackles Jordan van den Berg and Jayden Loving, and noted the team avoided a significant financial commitment to a veteran who did not fit defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme.

Poles indicated Phillips could play either outside or slot cornerback, given his experience at both positions.

Injury updates and roster decisions

The Bears placed safety Coby Bryant and undrafted free agent tight end Hayden Large on injured reserve Tuesday. Bryant is expected to be out until at least December. The team also brought back defensive tackle James Lynch and linebacker Jack Sanborn to the active roster.

Poles said he did not have an update on defensive end Austin Booker, who is week-to-week with a groin injury. Linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive end Shemar Turner, who started camp on the physically unable to perform list, are close to returning.

Cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson, who were hurt during a joint practice against the Tennessee Titans, returned Tuesday from minor issues.

At left tackle, the Bears kept Braxton Jones, who took most of the first-team snaps late in camp, along with Theo Benedet and Ozzy Trapilo. They released Kiran Amegadjie and Jerdick Wills , who had competed for the job. Trapilo, who is recovering from knee surgery, is ahead of schedule and made the 53-man roster. Poles said Trapilo has "tested his anchor" over the past couple of weeks and "looked fabulous."

In the secondary, the Bears kept Elijah Hicks, Cam Lewis, Xavier Woods and undrafted free agent Skyler Thomas to compete for the starting safety spot opposite rookie Dillon Thieneman.

Running back Kyle Monangai's status for the opener remains a question, according to Poles.