Bears’ Gardner-Johnson Steps Up After Kyler Gordon’s Surprise Injury vs. Packers

In a significant setback for the Chicago Bears, Kyler Gordon re-injured his groin during warm-ups on December 7, 2025, ahead of the key matchup against the Green Bay Packers. This injury means Gordon will miss the crucial NFC North clash at Lambeau Field.
The Bears had previously extended Gordon’s contract for three years at $40 million, recognizing his defensive prowess. Head coach Ben Johnson praised Gordon’s coverage skills as essential for the team’s defensive strategy. However, injuries have plagued him, forcing him onto injured reserve on October 25 due to groin and calf issues. He was activated just a few days before the game on November 27 and played minimally against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Impact of Gordon’s Injury
Gordon’s absence is felt deeply by the Bears, especially as defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had anticipated his presence would be vital against the Packers’ talented receiving corps. The cold conditions at Lambeau, with temperatures around 15 degrees and wind chills in the single digits, may have contributed to his injury.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Role
To mitigate the loss of Gordon, the Bears acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who stepped in during the game. Gardner-Johnson quickly proved his value, recording four tackles on the Packers’ opening drive and intercepting a pass from Jordan Love.
Game Details
- Date: December 7, 2025
- Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay
- Temperature: Approximately 15 degrees
- Notable Performance: C.J. Gardner-Johnson – 4 tackles, 1 interception
The absence of Gordon, alongside other injuries, poses challenges for the Bears as they confront their rivals. The focus now shifts to Gardner-Johnson as he looks to bolster the Bears’ defense in Gordon’s absence, emphasizing the importance of his contributions in upcoming games.




