The Chicago Bears are getting a massive defensive reinforcement just in time for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
The team announced Saturday that it has activated cornerback Kyler Gordon from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, clearing the way for his return after missing Chicago's first five games.
Gordon's activation is welcome news for a Bears secondary that struggled in last week's 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The veteran defensive back has appeared in 45 regular-season games with Chicago, including 35 starts, since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has recorded five interceptions, 17 passes defended and 2.5 sacks during his Bears career.
His return gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen another experienced option in a secondary looking to rebound against Atlanta.
Bears place Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve
The Bears also announced that they placed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve with a quad injury.
The move means Odeyingbo will miss at least four games, creating another challenge for Chicago's defensive line.
With Montez Sweat serving a two-game suspension, the Bears will be relying heavily on Austin Booker and Shemar Turner, among others
Chicago also signed defensive back Nick McCloud to the active roster and released veteran safety Xavier Woods.
McCloud appeared in 15 regular-season games for the Bears in 2025, making four starts, and started in Chicago's playoff victory over Green Bay last season.
Two players elevated for Week 6
The Bears rounded out Saturday's transactions by elevating linebacker Buddy Johnson and running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad. Both players will be available for Sunday's matchup before reverting to the practice squad under the NFL's elevation rules.
The Bears enter Sunday's game with a 3-2 record, hoping to rebound from their disappointing performance against the Packers.
Gordon's return provides an important boost to the secondary, but Odeyingbo's move to injured reserve leaves Chicago facing additional questions along its defensive front.
BearsTalk Analytics2026 season
How the players in this story are grading
21.6Xavier Woods. BTX grade 21.55 out of 100, rank 90 among 100 qualified safeties.
62.1Montez Sweat. BTX grade 62.05 out of 100, rank 30 among 122 qualified edge rushers.
51.8Kyler Gordon. BTX grade 51.8 out of 100, rank 70 among 136 qualified cornerbacks.
74.7Austin Booker. BTX grade 74.65 out of 100, rank 12 among 122 qualified edge rushers.
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