When the Bears take on the Eagles in this year’s Black Friday game, they will do so with a pair of notable reinforcements in the secondary. Both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are set to play tomorrow. 
Johnson and Gordon will be activated from IR in time for Friday’s game, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Both players remained on IR through Week 12. Each have continued to make progress in their respective recoveries, however. As such, they will be available against the Eagles after drawing a questionable designation on the team’s injury report.
Johnson seemed to be lost for the year after just one game played following his core muscle surgery. He returned to practice roughly two weeks ago, however, setting up an activation in relatively short order. Getting the two-time Pro Bowler back in the fold will represent a major boost for Chicago’s CB room, particularly on the perimeter.
Similarly, Gordon’s return will give the Bears their preferred option in the slot. His practice window opened last week. Gordon inked a three-year, $40MM extension in April, making him (like Johnson) a key figure on defense for Chicago now and into the future. Both starters will look to remain healthy the rest of the way as the Bears (8-3) attempt to maintain their lead in the NFC North.
With that said, takeaways have not been an issue for the team during its shorthanded stretch in the secondary. Chicago’s 16 interceptions lead the NFL, and Nahshon Wright has enjoyed a stellar campaign with five interceptions and 10 pass deflections through 11 games in a first-team role. It will be interesting to see if Wright’s role and playing time are affected with Johnson and Gordon back in the fold.
This news will leave the Bears with three IR activations for the remainder of the regular season. Offensive tackles Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie remain on injured reserve at this time. Bringing one or both of them onto the active roster will leave Chicago near the limit of eight for the campaign.