ESPN has been releasing their top 10 lists at every NFL position ahead of training camp marking its return at all 32 facilities. The cornerbacks list was released on Thursday morning. Chicago Bears superstar cornerback Jaylon Johnson claimed the No. 8 spot in a league-wide poll consisting of execs, coaches, and scouts.
It represents a significant climb up the rankings for Johnson, who finished unranked in ESPN's positional poll last season. Johnson finished as high as No. 4 for one voter, though his median finish earned him the eighth overall spot.
"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed."
Johnson earned his spot. The former Utah standout allowed 33 receptions on 57 targets for 286 yards and one touchdown while recording four interceptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Johnson was an elite shutdown corner that produced a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.
"No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season," ESPN wrote. "He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested."
The Bears rewarded Johnson's standout 2023 campaign by signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract extension earlier this offseason. It was a fair contract for the Bears. Johnson is currently the eighth-highest paid cornerback in the league annually at $19 million, according to Over The Cap. The overall value of $76 million also ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.
Johnson was Pro Football Focus" highest-graded cornerback with a coverage score of 90.8. He'll play for a new defensive coordinator this season in Eric Washington. Johnson will spearhead a talented Bears secondary that also features \x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Execs, scouts, coaches rank Top 10 cornerbacks:\x3Cbr>\x3Cbr>*Denzel Ward, L'Jarius Sneed make huge jumps\x3Cbr>*Sauce Gardner polarizing -- some view as best, others kept out of top 10 altogether\x3Cbr>*Young stars taking out established vets\x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\">https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\x3C/a>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1813926785626833063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 18, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>\"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision,\" an NFL personnel evaluator \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">said\x3C/a>. \"Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson earned his spot. The former Utah standout allowed 33 receptions on 57 targets for 286 yards and one touchdown while recording four interceptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Johnson was an elite shutdown corner that produced a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season,\" ESPN \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears rewarded Johnson's standout 2023 campaign by signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract extension earlier this offseason. It was a fair contract for the Bears. Johnson is currently the eighth-highest paid cornerback in the league annually at $19 million, according to \x3Ca href=\"https://overthecap.com/position/cornerback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Over The Cap\x3C/a>. The overall value of $76 million also ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson was \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/jaylon-johnson/56259\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a>\" highest-graded cornerback with a coverage score of 90.8. He'll play for a new defensive coordinator this season in Eric Washington. Johnson will spearhead a talented Bears secondary that also features \x3Ca href='https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/05/29/chicago-bears-2024-nfl-season-tyrique-stevenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrique Stevenson\x3C/a>, \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/03/11/chicago-bears-signing-kevin-byard-nfl-free-agency-a-good-idea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Byard\x3C/a>, Jaquan Brisker, and \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/06/13/chicago-bears-cb-kyler-gordon-breakout-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyler Gordon\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson was named a top 10 player at his position by ESPN on Thursday morning",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/jaylon-johnson-original.jpg",photo_credit:"Michael Reaves/Getty Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Justin Melo",author_gravatar_hash:"3db2d799cf003653055acaf8b5418622",author_avatar_url:null,category_names:$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\">ESPN has been releasing their top 10 lists at every NFL position ahead of training camp marking its return at all 32 facilities. The cornerbacks list was released on Thursday morning. Chicago Bears superstar cornerback \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/06/17/nfl-chicago-bears-jaylon-johnson-primed-for-big-year-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylon Johnson\x3C/a> claimed the No. 8 spot in a league-wide poll consisting of execs, coaches, and scouts.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It represents a significant climb up the rankings for Johnson, who finished unranked in ESPN's positional poll last season. Johnson finished as high as No. 4 for one voter, though his median finish earned him the eighth overall spot.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Execs, scouts, coaches rank Top 10 cornerbacks:\x3Cbr>\x3Cbr>*Denzel Ward, L'Jarius Sneed make huge jumps\x3Cbr>*Sauce Gardner polarizing -- some view as best, others kept out of top 10 altogether\x3Cbr>*Young stars taking out established vets\x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\">https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\x3C/a>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1813926785626833063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 18, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>\"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision,\" an NFL personnel evaluator \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">said\x3C/a>. \"Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson earned his spot. The former Utah standout allowed 33 receptions on 57 targets for 286 yards and one touchdown while recording four interceptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Johnson was an elite shutdown corner that produced a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season,\" ESPN \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears rewarded Johnson's standout 2023 campaign by signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract extension earlier this offseason. It was a fair contract for the Bears. Johnson is currently the eighth-highest paid cornerback in the league annually at $19 million, according to \x3Ca href=\"https://overthecap.com/position/cornerback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Over The Cap\x3C/a>. The overall value of $76 million also ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson was \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/jaylon-johnson/56259\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a>\" highest-graded cornerback with a coverage score of 90.8. He'll play for a new defensive coordinator this season in Eric Washington. Johnson will spearhead a talented Bears secondary that also features \x3Ca href='https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/05/29/chicago-bears-2024-nfl-season-tyrique-stevenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrique Stevenson\x3C/a>, \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/03/11/chicago-bears-signing-kevin-byard-nfl-free-agency-a-good-idea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Byard\x3C/a>, Jaquan Brisker, and \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/06/13/chicago-bears-cb-kyler-gordon-breakout-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyler Gordon\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"bc8c6639-cbc5-42ab-beeb-50a608e78aa7",wp_post_id:100000000136,title:"Bears make massive commitment to D'Andre Swift just before Week 1",slug:"dandre-swift-bears-contract-extension-33-million-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/11",published_at:"2026-09-11T21:37:53.431+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-11T21:37:53.431+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears aren't waiting until after the 2026 season to make a decision on D'Andre Swift's future.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift and the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2098495288893648933?s=20\">according to ESPN's Adam Schefter\x3C/a>. The extension keeps Swift under contract with Chicago through the 2029 season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a significant commitment to a player who has become an important piece of Ben Johnson's offense, and one that comes just days before Chicago opens its season against the Carolina Panthers.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears reward D'Andre Swift after career year\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Swift was entering the final season of the three-year, $24 million contract he signed with Chicago in 2024 and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. His previous deal carried an $8 million average annual value.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The extension represents a substantial raise, averaging $11.25 million per season in new money.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift is coming off the best rushing season of his career. He carried the ball 223 times for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and another touchdown.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It was Swift's first 1,000-yard rushing season with Chicago and helped the Bears finish with one of the NFL's most productive rushing attacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1783354166879-2h8uzp.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4MzM1NDE2Njg3OS0yaDh1enAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODMzNTQxNjcsImV4cCI6MjA5ODcxNDE2N30.DMi5bo6o-c6NgTi-lO7wXN03-V0mxQPI-ZP_nhou4_k\" alt=\"D'Andre Swift\">\x3Ch2>D'Andre Swift remains a major part of Bears' future\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The timing of the extension is particularly interesting because Chicago already has another promising running back in Kyle Monangai.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Monangai rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie last season, giving the Bears a young and inexpensive complement to Swift.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The new contract makes it clear Chicago doesn't view the situation as an either-or proposition. Swift is 27 and now has security through 2029, while Monangai gives Johnson another productive option in the backfield. Rather than allowing Swift to enter a contract year with his future uncertain, Ryan Poles has locked down the veteran before the season begins.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It also signals that the Bears intend to maintain continuity around Caleb Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago has invested heavily in its offensive line, has young pass-catchers Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III under team control, and now has ensured its starting running back won't reach free agency after the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift has rushed for 4,775 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns over his six NFL seasons, along with 2,097 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears have locked up D'Andre Swift through 2029 with a three-year, $33.75 million extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787929868425-gmkpx5.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzkyOTg2ODQyNS1nbWtweDUud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc5Mjk4NjksImV4cCI6MjEwMzI4OTg2OX0.txGDiC9924SYklOeuEJrn0TAceM7VvQsd0pZjDD2yAQ",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-11T21:32:41.792075+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Bears extension","Ben Johnson","Chicago Bears","D'Andre Swift Bears contract","Kyle Monangai","Ryan Poles"],meta_title:"Chicago Bears make major D'Andre Swift move before Week 1",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears and D'Andre Swift agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million extension with $27.5 million guaranteed before Sunday's season opener",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"D'Andre Swift",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!0},$R[20]={id:"cfdf475f-bf60-4f48-be84-b1e31dd7aba6",wp_post_id:100000000134,title:"NFL.com drops Bears out of top 10 over one troubling Week 1 concern",slug:"chicago-bears-nfl-power-rankings-week-1-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/10",published_at:"2026-09-10T14:50:22.797+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-10T14:50:22.797+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season as defending NFC North champions, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-1-2026-nfl-season\">but NFL.com isn't quite ready to consider them one of the league's 10 best teams\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s Nick Shook ranked the Bears No. 11 in his Week 1 NFL power rankings, dropping Chicago one spot from its preseason position at No. 10. Shook's primary concern isn't Caleb Williams or Ben Johnson's offense. It's a Bears secondary that has been hit hard by injuries.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I have questions about the Bears' young receiving corps, though I am much more concerned about their pieced-together secondary following some terrible injury luck early in camp,\" Shook wrote.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a fair concern entering Sunday's opener against the Carolina Panthers.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787009664307-bjclya.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzAwOTY2NDMwNy1iamNseWEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODcwMDk2NjUsImV4cCI6MjEwMjM2OTY2NX0.oVcMiK5SKtVbK3NsC1Po6VKAkDck515GqffjOVvYR5I\" alt=\"Dillon Thieneman\">\x3Ch2>Bears secondary has plenty to prove\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago entered training camp expecting its secondary to be one of the strengths of Dennis Allen's defense. Instead, injuries changed the outlook.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyler Gordon is on the reserve/PUP list with a calf injury and will miss at least the opening four games. Gordon is currently working away from the team with his own trainer, with the hope that he'll return to Chicago a few weeks into the season and begin practicing shortly thereafter. Safety Coby Bryant, one of Chicago's biggest offseason additions, is on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during training camp. The Bears officially moved Bryant to IR on Sept. 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That leaves a secondary featuring Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback, with rookie Malik Muhammad II and the recently acquired Clark Phillips III among the players providing depth. First-round rookie Dillon Thieneman and veteran Xavier Woods are listed as Chicago's starting safeties.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Shook believes the opening portion of the schedule could quickly determine whether his concern is justified. He pointed specifically to Chicago's first two opposing quarterbacks, Bryce Young and Kyler Murray, writing that he could be convinced the secondary isn't a \"massive issue\" if the Bears can limit both.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears remain \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s highest-ranked NFC North team\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There is an encouraging takeaway from the rankings. Chicago is \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s highest-ranked team in the NFC North.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears sit at No. 11, followed immediately by the Green Bay Packers at No. 12. The Detroit Lions check in at No. 15, while Minnesota is No. 19.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>While it's great that the Bears are beginning the season with the highest expectations in the NFC North, the bigger question is whether Chicago's defense can hold up long enough for some injured players to return while maintaining the top spot in the North.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The offense enters 2026 with enormous expectations. Williams is coming off a franchise-record 3,942 passing yards, while Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland form one of the NFL's youngest collections of primary receiving options.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's the other side of the ball that could determine whether Chicago climbs back into \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s top 10. And the first test comes Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If the Bears can go to Carolina and keep Young and the Panthers' offense under control despite their depleted secondary, they'll have an immediate opportunity to answer the biggest question behind their No. 11 ranking.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears enter the 2026 season ranked No. 11 by NFL.com, with Chicago's injury-depleted secondary standing out as the biggest concern.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1782406169027-5nmw04.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4MjQwNjE2OTAyNy01bm13MDQuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4MjQwNjE2OSwiZXhwIjoyMDk3NzY2MTY5fQ.QBJ8ZASPxHmDA00hV7Q3SDwFDhYky7kXuTd0OKrDPcM",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-10T14:42:49.472004+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 Panthers","Bears secondary","Bears Week 1","Caleb Williams","Chicago Bears ranking","Kyler Gordon","NFL power rankings"],meta_title:"NFL.com has one major concern about the Chicago Bears",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears rank No. 11 in NFL.com's Week 1 power rankings, with the team's injury-depleted secondary emerging as the biggest concern.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"chicago bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"a3be41cf-944c-40da-9547-94c9aee724ac",wp_post_id:100000000133,title:"Bears' first Week 1 injury report reveals new detail about Rome Odunze's injury",slug:"bears-week-1-injury-report-rome-odunze-panthers-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/09",published_at:"2026-09-09T22:06:01.161+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-09T22:06:01.161+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears released their first injury report ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and all eyes will be on Rome Odunze as the week progresses.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago did not practice Wednesday, so the report reflects estimated participation levels based on what each player would have done if the Bears had practiced.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Only three players appeared on the initial report:\x3C/p>\x3Cul>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>QB Tyson Bagent — back — DNP\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>WR Rome Odunze — calf — limited\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>OL Ozzy Trapilo — knee — limited\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3C/ul>\x3Cp>The biggest development is Odunze being listed as limited with a calf injury, which provides additional clarity after Ben Johnson described the receiver as day-to-day earlier this week.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Rome Odunze's status will be Bears' biggest injury storyline\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Odunze's presence on the report isn't particularly surprising after he left practice last week and sat out Tuesday. Johnson previously confirmed that Odunze's current injury is different from the foot issue he dealt with during the 2025 season. Now, the Bears have officially identified the new injury as a calf issue.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Because Wednesday's participation was estimated, it would be premature to interpret \"limited\" as evidence that Odunze has taken a significant step toward playing Sunday. Thursday's actual practice should provide a much better indication of where he stands.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze is entering an important third season after catching 44 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games last year.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>His availability would give Caleb Williams the Bears' expected receiving trio of Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland for the opener.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786719045192-huevtj.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjcxOTA0NTE5Mi1odWV2dGoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY3MTkwNDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjA3OTA0Nn0.DmAFl1hQgpug8gb9ISHgrwtuJ9lOEAjjg7OqZ_QDeVY\" alt=\"Tyson Bagent Bears injury report\">\x3Ch2>Tyson Bagent is the only estimated DNP\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Bagent's back injury is another situation worth monitoring.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears estimated that their backup quarterback would not have practiced Wednesday. Case Keenum gives the Bears an experienced option behind Williams if Bagent's back issue lingers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Trapilo, meanwhile, was listed as limited because of a knee injury.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Braxton Jones has already been named Chicago's starting left tackle for Week 1, but Johnson emphasized that the Bears will continue evaluating the position. Trapilo is listed behind Jones on Chicago's depth chart.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For now, the most encouraging part of the first report might simply be its length. Chicago listed only three injured players, and two were estimated as limited participants.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That said, the real injury updates begin arriving Thursday. That's when we'll get the Bears' first actual participation report of Week 1 — and potentially a much better indication of whether Odunze is trending toward playing against Carolina.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears listed three players on Wednesday's estimated injury report, including Rome Odunze, whose injury has now been identified ahead of Sunday's Panthers game.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786549187478-2ty379.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjU0OTE4NzQ3OC0ydHkzNzkuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjU0OTE4OCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxOTA5MTg4fQ.0RxMnxUNicFsFSRbEBVZHfuEGZZNTD0tX3y6_abHlPo",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-09T21:59:56.316377+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:$R[25]=["Bears injuries","Bears Panthers injury report","Chicago Bears Week 1","Ozzy Trapilo injury","Rome Odunze injury","Tyson Bagent injury"],meta_title:"Bears' first injury report brings key Rome Odunze update",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears released their first injury report ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and all eyes will be on Rome Odunze as…",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"dfd37208-1ea8-4fc8-b62a-9f5fb21005e3",wp_post_id:100000000132,title:"Bears fans shouldn't make this mistake when judging the Panthers in Week 1",slug:"bears-panthers-week-1-carolina-team-preview-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/08",published_at:"2026-09-08T22:13:18.867+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-08T22:13:18.867+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Anyone expecting the Chicago Bears to walk into Charlotte and steamroll the Carolina Panthers because of their recent reputation might want to refresh their timeline. These aren't the Panthers who finished 2-15 in Bryce Young's rookie season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina quietly made significant progress last year, going 8-9, winning the NFC South and reaching the playoffs in Dave Canales' second season as coach.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the Panthers will open 2026 at home against a Bears team with much larger expectations. Chicago deserves to be the favorites. But Carolina deserves its attention.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bryce Young has quietly made progress\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Young's NFL career didn't begin the way Carolina envisioned when it selected him No. 1 overall in 2023. But after three seasons, there's evidence that he's moving in the right direction.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Young threw 11 touchdown passes as a rookie in 2023 before increasing that total to 15 in 2024. Last season, he took another step, throwing 23 touchdown passes while completing 63.6% of his attempts for 3,011 yards. His passer rating has climbed in each season, from 73.7 in 2023 to 82.2 in 2024 and 87.8 in 2025.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those numbers don't put Young among the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but the trajectory matters. The Bears aren't facing the same inexperienced quarterback who struggled through his rookie season. Young enters 2026 with three years of NFL experience and a supporting cast that includes a legitimate No. 1 receiver.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Tetairoa McMillan produced 1,014 receiving yards last season to lead Carolina, while Jalen Coker returns after finishing second among Panthers wide receivers in receiving yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina also added veteran tight end Darren Waller, giving Young another experienced option as he enters his fourth NFL season.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Panthers enter Week 1 with significant offensive-line questions\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The biggest issue facing Carolina might be what's happening up front. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton is on the reserve/non-football illness list after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung during the offseason. The Panthers said in July that the treatment would cause Moton to miss regular-season time.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is on reserve/PUP, meaning he will miss at least the opening portion of the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina prepared for that possibility by signing veteran Rasheed Walker and selecting Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those absences nevertheless create uncertainty at an important position heading into Week 1. And that matters for a Bears defense that needs more production from its pass rush in 2026. \x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Carolina's defense has recognizable talent\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Panthers defense will give the Bears a very real challenge, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Derrick Brown remains the centerpiece up front, while Jaycee Horn intercepted five passes last season. Carolina also added linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips during an offseason spent reshaping the defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There have been losses, too. Second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton, who tied for Carolina's team lead with five sacks in 2025, suffered a knee injury on the first day of training camp and was placed on injured reserve.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears are getting a better Panthers team than the name suggests\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Panthers were outscored by 69 points last season despite winning their division. They produced 5,025 offensive yards while allowing 5,563. They're definitely not an NFC powerhouse.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But they're also no longer an automatic victory.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears should still expect to leave Charlotte 1-0. They just shouldn't expect Carolina to make it easy.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Carolina isn't the same team Bears fans remember. Bryce Young and the defending NFC South champions present a legitimate Week 1 test for Chicago.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786551314954-mwsweq.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjU1MTMxNDk1NC1td3N3ZXEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY1NTEzMTUsImV4cCI6MjEwMTkxMTMxNX0.SLoB9hSqouNeklW_-t3mVqYOHcHwYryksFB3w900cvA",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-08T22:03:35.621694+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 Panthers","Bears Week 1","Bryce Young","Caleb Williams","Carolina Panthers 2026","Dave Canales"],meta_title:"Bears fans shouldn't overlook what's changed in Carolina",meta_description:"Carolina isn't the same team Bears fans remember. Bryce Young and the defending NFC South champions present a legitimate Week 1 test for the Chicago Bears.",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[29]={id:"3c5fa3b1-fc27-45c8-852d-6d0fb0737a84",wp_post_id:100000000131,title:"Bears Week 1 depth chart reveals several intriguing decisions before Panthers opener",slug:"bears-week-1-depth-chart-panthers-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/08",published_at:"2026-09-08T17:58:03.098+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-08T17:58:03.098+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears' Week 1 depth chart is (\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/ChrisEmma1/status/2097381924452856272?s=20\">unofficially\x3C/a>) set ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and it provides a clearer picture of how Ben Johnson's roster will line up entering the 2026 season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The most notable decision comes at left tackle, where Braxton Jones is listed as the starter ahead of Ozzy Trapilo. Johnson confirmed Tuesday that Jones will open the season protecting Caleb Williams' blind side, although he emphasized that the Bears will continue evaluating the position.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Elsewhere on offense, there aren't many surprises. D'Andre Swift remains RB1 ahead of Kyle Monangai, while Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III headline the receiving corps. Kalif Raymond is listed behind Odunze, with rookie Zavion Thomas behind Raymond.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze's placement atop the depth chart doesn't guarantee he'll play Sunday. Johnson said Tuesday that the third-year receiver is day-to-day and won't practice Tuesday because of an injury that is different from the foot problem he battled last season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>At tight end, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland are both listed as starters, an indication of how important Chicago's talented tandem remains entering Johnson's second season running the offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1788889969544-1u6qb2.png?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4ODg4OTk2OTU0NC0xdTZxYjIucG5nIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4ODg4OTk3MCwiZXhwIjoyMTA0MjQ5OTcwfQ.t-sN2pmNqdCuIJE1SjjpH-JL6ZjmbIZB2RDMO_ERrK8\" alt=\"Bears Depth Chart\">\x3Cp>Chris Emma on X\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears depth chart reveals interesting defensive decisions\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The defensive depth chart features Dillon Thieneman and Xavier Woods as the starting safeties, while Cam Lewis is listed as a starting defensive back.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>At cornerback, Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson Sr. sit atop the depth chart, with rookie Malik Muhammad II behind Stevenson and Clark Phillips III behind Johnson.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyler Gordon is absent while on injured reserve with a calf injury. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Gordon is working away from the team with his own trainer, with the plan for him to return to the Bears a few weeks into the season before beginning to practice.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The defensive front reflects Chicago's post-Gervon Dexter lineup. Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Kentavius Street and Dayo Odeyingbo are listed as the starters, while rookie Jordan van den Berg appears behind Street.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>T.J. Edwards and Devin Bush are Chicago's starting linebackers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Special teams contains another interesting note. Kalif Raymond is listed as the Bears' primary kick and punt returner, with Thomas behind him at both spots. Thomas showcased his return ability during the preseason finale against Tennessee, but Raymond remains first in line entering Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>As always, an early-season depth chart shouldn't be confused with guaranteed snaps. Still, with Chicago's offseason finally over, this is the group the Bears are taking into Carolina as they begin their defense of the NFC North title Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The game kicks off at noon CT.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears shared an unofficial Week 1 depth chart for Carolina, with notable decisions involving Braxton Jones, the secondary and Chicago's return game.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787500105199-z53ufb.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzUwMDEwNTE5OS16NTN1ZmIud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc1MDAxMDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjg2MDEwNn0.qF4b-EhzVg5VKu9FeAYZfig7Iqcqc7lKJDafwQp06mg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-08T17:51:50.337236+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]=["Bears depth chart","Bears Panthers","Bears Week 1","Braxton Jones","Caleb Williams","Dillon Thieneman","Kalif Raymond"],meta_title:"Bears depth chart reveals several notable Week 1 decisions",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears' Week 1 depth chart is set ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and it provides a clearer picture of how Ben…",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:" $year $month $day $slug 2024 07 18 espn-chicago-bears-jaylon-johnson-top-10-cb"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()