Bears designate CB Kyler Gordon for return from PUP list - Bears Wire

The Chicago Bears have opened the 21-day practice window for cornerback Kyler Gordon, designating him for a return from the physically unable to perform list.

Gordon was sidelined for the entirety of training camp and preseason with a calf injury that landed him on the physically unable to perform list to start the regular season. He was required to miss at least the first four games of the 2026 season, making him eligible to return for Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers.

Gordon, a former second-round pick, was hampered by soft tissue injuries last season, playing in just three regular-season games with two stints on injured reserve. After playing in two postseason games, the arrow was pointed up for Gordon, who's elevated the defense when he's on the field.

Gordon's soft tissue injuries have been a source of frustration for the organization and coaching staff, as he's yet to play a full season in the NFL. But, when healthy, Gordon is among the NFL's best nickel cornerbacks.

Back in the summer, general manager Ryan Poles voiced his uncertainty about whether Gordon would even play this season, but it sounds encouraging for his pending return with the 21-day practice window being opened.

"I still have hope there," Poles said. "He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing football again. … 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."

Assuming Gordon returns, the earliest he can play is Week 5 vs. the Packers and the latest is Week 7 vs. the New England Patriots.