Analytics prove Bears CB Jaylon Johnson allowed few steps of separation in 2023

Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. Pro Football Focus recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.

"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, "PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bears\x3C/a> CB Jaylon Johnson allowed very little separation last season \x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/uY1OXm9LzV\">pic.twitter.com/uY1OXm9LzV\x3C/a>\x3C/p>— CFB Vidz (@CFB_Vidz) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CFB_Vidz/status/1808141043260334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 2, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">\"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, \"PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with [Derek] Stingley for best on this list.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Only six cornerbacks allowed fewer steps of separation to wide receivers last season per opportunity. They were Arthur Maulet (14.3%), Mike Hilton (20%), Jack Jones (20%), Cobie Durant (20.6%), Jalen Ramsey (20.7%), and Chidobe Awuzie (21.1%). Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with allowing just 25 receptions on 50 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of 33.3 (!) when targeting him in coverage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opposing wide receivers on the Bears\" 2024 schedule should be prepared for Johnson to play extremely tight coverage on them all season long. That should start with Tennessee Titans wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Jaylon Johnson experienced an incredible breakout campaign for the Chicago Bears in 2023",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/jaylon-johnson-original.jpg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Justin Melo",author_gravatar_hash:"3db2d799cf003653055acaf8b5418622",author_avatar_url:null,category_names:$R[14]=["News"],tags:$R[15]=["chicago-bears","jaylon-johnson","news","nfl"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Chicago Bears cornerback \x3Ca href=\"/player/jaylon-johnson\" class=\"player-link\" data-player=\"jaylon-johnson\">Jaylon Johnson\x3C/a> experienced a breakout campaign last season. Johnson's on-field play resulted in a well-deserved contract extension earlier this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles signed him to a four-year, $76 million extension.\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bears\x3C/a> CB Jaylon Johnson allowed very little separation last season \x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/uY1OXm9LzV\">pic.twitter.com/uY1OXm9LzV\x3C/a>\x3C/p>— CFB Vidz (@CFB_Vidz) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CFB_Vidz/status/1808141043260334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 2, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">\"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, \"PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with [Derek] Stingley for best on this list.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Only six cornerbacks allowed fewer steps of separation to wide receivers last season per opportunity. They were Arthur Maulet (14.3%), Mike Hilton (20%), Jack Jones (20%), Cobie Durant (20.6%), Jalen Ramsey (20.7%), and Chidobe Awuzie (21.1%). Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with allowing just 25 receptions on 50 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of 33.3 (!) when targeting him in coverage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opposing wide receivers on the Bears\" 2024 schedule should be prepared for Johnson to play extremely tight coverage on them all season long. That should start with Tennessee Titans wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"625eda84-cd85-4e7d-9007-0dc88bbcd77e",wp_post_id:100000000166,title:"Caleb Williams injury could thrust Tyson Bagent into Bears' biggest game yet",slug:"tyson-bagent-bears-eagles-caleb-williams-injury",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/21",published_at:"2026-09-21T17:36:08.295+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-21T17:36:08.295+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears don't yet know whether they'll need Tyson Bagent to start against the Philadelphia Eagles. They do know he's prepared if they do.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The results of Caleb Williams' MRI on Monday were the best possible news; the Bears' franchise QB is considered week-to-week, although Ben Johnson did tell ESPN Radio that he expects Williams will \"miss some time.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>According to The Ringer's Tom Pelissero, there remains a slim chance that Williams will play in Week 3 against the Eagles on Monday Night Football. But if he can't go, Bagent will fill the QB1 role.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And this wouldn't be just another spot start. It would be the biggest moment of Bagent's career.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bagent nearly gave Bears a chance Sunday\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Bagent was thrown into a difficult situation against the Vikings.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams went down in the fourth quarter with Chicago trailing 6-3 and the Bears already deep in Vikings territory. Bagent initially couldn't finish that possession, and Minnesota blocked Cairo Santos' ensuing 23-yard field-goal attempt.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But Chicago's backup got another chance.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With less than two minutes remaining and the Bears trailing 9-3, Bagent moved the offense from its own 35 to Minnesota's 12. He connected with Luther Burden III multiple times on the drive, including an 18-yard completion, and hit Rome Odunze for 21 yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>However, the comeback ended when Dallas Turner sacked Bagent on the game's final play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Bagent finished 5-of-9 for 54 yards. And while it wasn't enough to win, it did remind everyone why the Bears have remained so comfortable with him behind Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/clayharbs82/status/2102063305170792703?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/clayharbs82/status/2102063305170792703?s=20\">https://x.com/clayharbs82/status/2102063305170792703?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Ch2>Bears have invested in Bagent for exactly this situation\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Bagent isn't an unknown commodity anymore. He started four games as a rookie in 2023 and went 2-2. The Bears later signed him to a two-year, $10 million extension, marking a significant commitment to a backup quarterback.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson has made it known how much he values Bagent on the roster. He previously described Bagent as a player he believes belongs among the NFL's top 32 quarterbacks, essentially saying he views his backup as capable of starting in the league.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago may be about to find out.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Eagles improved to 2-0 Sunday and opened as road favorites for next Monday night's game, although the uncertainty surrounding Williams obviously affects the early market.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Even the positive MRI results make it unlikely Williams will be back in time for Monday night, giving Bagent a chance to shine in the spotlight.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears spent the last several years developing him, trusted him enough to give him a multiyear extension, and kept him in place as Williams' primary backup. They hoped they wouldn't have to find out how valuable that investment could become.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>By next Monday night, they might.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago doesn't know whether Caleb Williams will face Philadelphia, which could put Tyson Bagent in the spotlight on Monday Night Football.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786719045192-huevtj.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjcxOTA0NTE5Mi1odWV2dGoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY3MTkwNDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjA3OTA0Nn0.DmAFl1hQgpug8gb9ISHgrwtuJ9lOEAjjg7OqZ_QDeVY",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-21T17:27:31.989418+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Ben Johnson","Caleb Williams","Chicago Bears","NFL Week 3","Philadelphia Eagles","Tyson Bagent"],meta_title:"Tyson Bagent could be headed for his biggest Bears start",meta_description:"Caleb Williams' hamstring injury could put Tyson Bagent behind center for the Chicago Bears against the undefeated Eagles on Monday Night Football.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Tyson Bagent",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[20]={id:"c4ec8001-de5d-4f26-9da2-88de48636aad",wp_post_id:100000000165,title:"Bears get best possible Caleb Williams news after hamstring tests",slug:"caleb-williams-hamstring-injury-update-eagles-week-3",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/21",published_at:"2026-09-21T16:06:59.762+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-21T16:06:59.762+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears received about the best possible news they could have hoped for Monday regarding Caleb Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2102063816569651558?s=20\">According to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero\x3C/a>, testing confirmed that Williams avoided a major hamstring injury after being carted to the locker room during Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Even more encouraging, Pelissero reports that the Bears aren't ruling Williams out for next Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's a massive sigh of relief after a frightening scene at Soldier Field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams suffered the non-contact injury midway through the fourth quarter while scrambling to his left on first-and-goal from the Minnesota 6-yard line. He went to the ground in obvious pain, needed assistance getting off the field, and was eventually taken to the locker room on a cart.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears immediately announced a hamstring injury, but coach Ben Johnson acknowledged after the game that his initial fear was something involving Williams' knee.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I'm actually happy it's nothing with the knee,\" Johnson told reporters Sunday while adding that the Bears would know more following Monday's testing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now they do, and the initial news couldn't be much more encouraging.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams could have a chance to play against Eagles\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There were already positive signs after Sunday's game. Williams was spotted walking through the Bears' locker room under his own power and without crutches after the game. Johnson also said his quarterback was in good spirits.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But Monday's report is \x3Cem>much\x3C/em> better.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Avoiding a major hamstring injury dramatically changes the outlook for Williams and the Bears. The fact that Chicago reportedly isn't even ruling him out against Philadelphia suggests this may not become the extended absence that seemed possible when Williams was carted away Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, it doesn't mean Williams will play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Hamstring injuries can be tricky, particularly for a quarterback whose mobility is such a significant part of his game. The Bears have an extra day before facing Philadelphia on Monday Night Football, but they'll still have to determine how Williams responds throughout the week before deciding whether he can return.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If Williams can't play, Tyson Bagent would be the next man up. Bagent entered against Minnesota and completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards as Chicago attempted a late comeback.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams finished Sunday's loss 15-of-26 passing for 138 yards with one interception while adding 42 rushing yards on five attempts. The defeat dropped Chicago to 1-1 after Williams accounted for four touchdowns in the Bears' 59-37 Week 1 victory over Carolina.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>After watching their franchise quarterback go down untouched and leave Soldier Field on a cart, Bears fans had every reason to fear the worst. One day later, Williams has avoided a major injury, and apparently still has a chance to be under center against the Eagles.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's a remarkably positive turn of events.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Caleb Williams avoided a major hamstring injury, and the Bears reportedly aren't ruling him out for Monday night's game against the Eagles.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790006627599-mvwd8g.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDAwNjYyNzU5OS1tdndkOGcud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTAwMDY2MjgsImV4cCI6MjEwNTM2NjYyOH0.51o-DhjXST8rwjnCRI3_zyTIPT-8jDbGyil5b25RNK4",photo_credit:"(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-21T15:58:25.895133+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["Bears injuries","Caleb Williams","Chicago Bears","NFL Week 3","Philadelphia Eagles","Tyson Bagent"],meta_title:"Chicago Bears get huge Caleb Williams injury update",meta_description:"Caleb Williams avoided a major hamstring injury, and the Chicago Bears reportedly aren't ruling him out for Week 2's Monday night's game against the Eagles.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Caleb Williams",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"aba8690a-f454-41a1-b0c1-bb731a917fe9",wp_post_id:100000000164,title:"Bears fixed their biggest Week 1 problem and somehow still lost to Vikings",slug:"chicago-bears-defense-vikings-week-2-turnaround",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/21",published_at:"2026-09-21T13:46:28.93+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-21T13:46:28.93+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Almost everything the Chicago Bears needed from their defense Sunday happened. That's what makes their 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings so frustrating.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>A week after surrendering 478 yards and 37 points to the Carolina Panthers, Chicago's defense delivered the response everyone wanted to see. Minnesota finished with just 246 total yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Vikings didn't score a touchdown. Carson Wentz threw for only 143 yards. Justin Jefferson finished with three catches for 55 yards. And Minnesota averaged just 4.8 yards per play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It should have been more than enough to win. Instead, Chicago's offense scored three points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's the strange reality of the Bears' first two weeks.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>In Carolina, Ben Johnson's offense exploded for 59 points and 552 yards while the defense struggled to get stops. Against Minnesota, the defense kept the Vikings out of the end zone for 60 minutes and watched the offense fail to score a touchdown.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Chicago answered its biggest Week 1 question\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The defensive performance shouldn't disappear because of everything else that happened Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina quarterback Bryce Young threw for 361 yards in Week 1. The Panthers accumulated 478 yards overall. Despite Chicago's comfortable win, the performance raised legitimate concerns about Dennis Allen's defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Against Minnesota, the Bears were significantly better.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wentz completed only 11 of 20 passes. Jefferson's longest reception went for 30 yards, but Chicago prevented Minnesota's best offensive player from taking over the game. The Vikings' only sustained success came on the ground.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Aaron Jones rushed 23 times for 105 yards, but even that didn't translate into touchdowns.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Minnesota's scoring drives ended with Will Reichard field goals from 35, 49, and 39 yards. Holding an NFL opponent to nine points should result in a victory almost every time. But on Sunday at Soldier Field, it didn't.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789998374620-9nj40h.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTk5ODM3NDYyMC05bmo0MGgud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk5OTgzNzUsImV4cCI6MjEwNTM1ODM3NX0.hNDdy5MTeLDp5lRrrPxkZQHf1-0-t1YGZq32Rt5MDqA\" alt=\"Bears Defense Week 2\">\x3Cp>(Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>The offense wasted it\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago actually outgained Minnesota 297-246. The Bears also ran 70 offensive plays and held the ball for more than 32 minutes.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But the numbers that mattered were considerably uglier.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago turned the ball over twice, committed eight penalties for 58 yards and failed to score on all three trips into the red zone.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>D'Andre Swift's third-quarter fumble was especially brutal.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears had driven to first-and-goal at Minnesota's 1-yard line while trailing 6-3 when Swift lost the football. Isaiah Rodgers recovered for the Vikings, and Chicago's best chance to hit the paint came up empty.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Later, after Caleb Williams suffered his hamstring injury, Rodgers blocked Cairo Santos' 23-yard field-goal attempt that could have tied the game. Those were the margins in a 9-3 loss.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears need to find some balance\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Two games are far too small a sample to make sweeping conclusions about this team. But the contrast is impossible to miss.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Week 1:\x3C/strong> 59 points scored, 37 allowed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Week 2:\x3C/strong> three points scored, nine allowed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have now shown that their offense can overwhelm an opponent and their defense can suffocate one. They just haven't done those things at the same time.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And the challenge becomes considerably greater from here.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Philadelphia visits Soldier Field next Monday night, and Chicago may have to face the undefeated Eagles without Williams depending on the results of his MRI. The Eagles improved to 2-0 Sunday with a 24-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Before the Bears turn completely toward Philadelphia, however, Sunday's defensive performance deserves recognition. The unit that looked like Chicago's biggest problem after Week 1 became its greatest strength seven days later.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears simply wasted it.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago held Minnesota to 246 yards and zero touchdowns Sunday, a dramatic defensive turnaround that the Bears offense completely wasted.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789998188531-9fqi09.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTk5ODE4ODUzMS05ZnFpMDkud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk5OTgxOTEsImV4cCI6MjEwNTM1ODE5MX0.JeLOpFMjVYHX4Kw97Dn8quNF2Q09yTiW9RnO5DT1M94",photo_credit:" (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-21T13:38:35.685924+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=["News"],tags:$R[25]=["Bears defense","Chicago Bears","Dennis Allen","Minnesota Vikings","NFL Week 2"],meta_title:"Bears fixed their biggest Week 1 problem and still lost",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears held Minnesota to 246 yards and zero touchdowns Sunday, a dramatic defensive turnaround that the Bears offense completely wasted.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"c62f14a2-a133-4c6b-a42f-cd24834c1974",wp_post_id:100000000163,title:"Early Caleb Williams injury update gives Bears reason for optimism",slug:"caleb-williams-hamstring-injury-update-mri-bears",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/21",published_at:"2026-09-21T13:13:52.057+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-21T13:13:52.057+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The image of Caleb Williams leaving Soldier Field on a cart Sunday made it easy to fear the worst. Less than 24 hours later, the Chicago Bears may have reason to feel considerably better.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams is scheduled to undergo an MRI Monday on the right hamstring he injured during the fourth quarter of Chicago's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While the Bears still don't know the full extent of the injury, NBC Sports' Mike Florio reported Sunday night that there is early optimism Williams could be dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>A Grade 1 strain would be the mildest classification of a hamstring injury, although it still wouldn't guarantee Williams will be ready for Chicago's Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For now, the MRI is what matters.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/TheBearsTalk/status/2101833615701094540?s=20\">https://x.com/TheBearsTalk/status/2101833615701094540?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/p>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed after Sunday's game that Williams injured his hamstring and said the quarterback was \"in good spirits.\" The fact that the injury wasn't to Williams' knee was an immediate source of relief after the frightening non-contact play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams was also reportedly seen walking after the game without crutches.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>None of that constitutes a diagnosis, and the Bears won't know how much time Williams could miss until the imaging is complete. But considering how bad the injury initially looked, the early developments are encouraging.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams went down with 7:27 remaining Sunday while scrambling to his left deep in Minnesota territory. He fell without being hit, immediately grabbed at the back of his right leg, and eventually needed assistance leaving the field before being transported to the locker room on a cart.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He finished the game 15-of-26 for 138 yards with an interception and rushed five times for 42 yards.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams has extra day for recovery\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago doesn't play again until Monday, Sept. 28, when the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles visit Soldier Field for Monday Night Football. Even if the MRI confirms a relatively mild strain, eight days is a short turnaround for a quarterback whose mobility is such an important part of his game.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2102011089911222635?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2102011089911222635?s=20\">https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2102011089911222635?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>If Williams can't play, Tyson Bagent would be next in line. But that's a decision for later.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Monday is about finding out exactly what happened to Williams' hamstring.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And after watching their franchise quarterback leave Soldier Field on a cart, the Bears couldn't have asked for much more encouraging preliminary news.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Caleb Williams will undergo an MRI Monday, but an early report offers the Bears encouraging news about his hamstring injury.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789996043317-mzsn0p.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTk5NjA0MzMxNy1tenNuMHAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk5OTYwNDQsImV4cCI6MjEwNTM1NjA0NH0.xu2DTdylrckwOccpW9sX0vxjljz3-pdFlLPzYt85CRA",photo_credit:"(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-21T13:02:34.103876+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=["Bears injuries","Caleb Williams","Chicago Bears","Philadelphia Eagles","Tyson Bagent"],meta_title:"Caleb Williams injury update brings Bears some hope",meta_description:"Caleb Williams will undergo an MRI on Monday, but an early report offers the Chicago Bears encouraging news about his hamstring injury suffered during Week 2.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Caleb Williams",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"3a82e100-6362-437a-9257-98394a1b08d2",wp_post_id:100000000162,title:"Bears' stunning Week 2 collapse gets worse with Caleb Williams injury",slug:"bears-vikings-week-2-recap-caleb-williams-injury",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/20",published_at:"2026-09-20T20:20:05.875+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-20T20:20:05.875+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>What a difference a week makes. Seven days after the Chicago Bears scored a franchise-record 59 points in their season opener, Ben Johnson's offense couldn't find the end zone once.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And somehow, that wasn't even the most concerning development Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears suffered their first loss of the 2026 season, falling 9-3 to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in a game that ended with starting quarterback Caleb Williams \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://bearstalk.com/2026/09/20/caleb-williams-injury-bears-vikings-week-2-2026\">sidelined by a right hamstring injury.\x3C/a>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams was injured on a fourth-quarter scramble and had to be helped from the field before eventually leaving on a cart. Tyson Bagent replaced him for the remainder of the game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Until the Bears provide more information, the severity of the injury remains the biggest question coming out of Week 2.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The game itself wasn't particularly encouraging, either.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's offense looked nothing like the unit that produced 552 yards and 59 points against Carolina. The Bears finished with 297 yards on 70 plays, averaged just 4.2 yards per play, and turned the ball over twice. Minnesota didn't score a touchdown, either, but three Will Reichard field goals were enough to send Chicago to 1-1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards with no touchdowns and one interception before leaving the game. He added 42 rushing yards on five attempts.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards after taking over.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears offense never gets going\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Sunday's game looked nothing like the shootout many expected.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Minnesota opened the scoring with Reichard's 35-yard field goal before Cairo Santos tied the game with a 50-yarder late in the first quarter.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That would be it for Chicago's scoring.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Reichard connected from 49 yards in the second quarter to give Minnesota a 6-3 halftime lead, and neither team scored in the third quarter.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago had opportunities, but turnovers and penalties repeatedly made life more difficult. The Bears were penalized eight times for 58 yards and committed two turnovers. Minnesota finished without a turnover.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago actually outgained Minnesota 297-246 and held the football for 32:41 compared with the Vikings' 27:19.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>None of it translated to points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears also couldn't reproduce the dominant rushing performance that overwhelmed Carolina. After rushing for 291 yards in Week 1, Chicago finished with 134 Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyle Monangai led the Bears running backs with 47 yards on 10 carries. D'Andre Swift managed 45 yards on 16 attempts after rushing for 124 yards and three touchdowns last week.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears defense deserved better\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>If there's a positive for Chicago, it came from a defense that needed a response after surrendering 37 points and 478 yards against Carolina.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears held Minnesota to 246 total yards and didn't allow a touchdown.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carson Wentz, starting in place of the injured Kyler Murray, completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Justin Jefferson was held to three receptions for 55 yards. Aaron Jones did manage 105 rushing yards on 23 carries, but Chicago repeatedly kept Minnesota out of the end zone and gave its offense opportunities to win the game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears simply couldn't take advantage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a frustrating outcome, given how much attention Chicago's defense received after Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Dennis Allen's unit did almost everything it needed to do Sunday. Holding an opponent to nine points should be enough. It wasn't.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/ProFootballDoc/status/2101757591844208785?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/ProFootballDoc/status/2101757591844208785?s=20\">https://x.com/ProFootballDoc/status/2101757591844208785?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Ch2>Williams' injury becomes the bigger concern\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago still had a chance late. After Williams exited, Bagent moved the Bears deep into Minnesota territory during the final minute.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He completed passes to Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze as Chicago advanced into scoring position, but the Bears couldn't finish the drive.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Bagent was sacked on the game's final play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But the Bears' record isn't the primary concern right now. Williams is.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's offense was already enduring a miserable afternoon before its franchise quarterback went down. What initially looked like a frustrating divisional loss became potentially much more significant when Williams needed assistance leaving the field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears will now wait for more information on his right hamstring. Everything else about Sunday's loss is secondary until they get it.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago went from scoring 59 points to only three in one week, but a fourth-quarter injury to Caleb Williams overshadowed the Bears' loss to Minnesota.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789935328039-2ntgbv.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTkzNTMyODAzOS0ybnRnYnYud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk5MzUzMjgsImV4cCI6MjEwNTI5NTMyOH0.pg-OUn4nQ2IG8D34a_Xv_XCMovQCzjnWgMZlfnr4-BY",photo_credit:"(Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-20T20:09:50.352626+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=["News"],tags:$R[31]=[],meta_title:"Bears' ugly loss gets worse with Caleb Williams injury",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears scored only three points in a 9-3 loss to Minnesota, but Caleb Williams' fourth-quarter hamstring injury is the bigger concern.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:"$year$month$day$slug20240702chicago-bears-jaylon-johnson-pro-football-focus"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()