The Chicago Bears have activated cornerback Kyler Gordon from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Gordon, sidelined since January after participating in both playoff contests, had missed much of the offseason and the entire training camp due to a calf injury.

Following the roster change, the Bears placed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve after he sustained a quadriceps injury during last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. Odeyingbo is expected to miss a minimum of four games. Additionally, the team signed cornerback Nick McCloud from the practice squad and released safety Xavier Woods.

Gordon’s return follows a 21-day practice window that began on September 30, during which he resumed on-field training. Head coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence in Gordon’s progress, noting the player’s solid effort in meeting assigned tasks and his potential to contribute in various ways. “I do feel good about him being able to contribute to this team and help us out,” Johnson said.

Nicknamed the “nickel” cornerback due to his primary role in the slot, Gordon had been replaced by rookie Malik Muhammad II and veteran Cam Lewis during his absence. The Bears anticipate that the nickel defender will play a critical role this week, as the Falcons tend to position running back Bijan Robinson on the outside rather than between the tackles, presenting a unique challenge for the defense.

Bears nickel coach Cannon Matthews remarked on Gordon’s conditioning, noting that while he looks good on the practice field, he is still working to regain full football shape. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen reiterated this cautious approach, indicating that players returning from the PUP list—including linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive end Shemar Turner—would likely have limited roles initially as they regain game readiness.

Allen has long viewed Gordon as a versatile asset capable of contributing across the defensive backfield. Prior to the 2025 season, Gordon secured a three-year, $40 million contract extension, a commitment made despite injuries that limited his playing time that year. However, he emerged as a key performer during the postseason, registering multiple pass breakups and defensive plays in both the wild-card victory over the Packers and the subsequent loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Gordon’s activation is expected to bolster the Bears’ defense as they prepare to face a multifaceted Falcons offense that requires disciplined coverage and robust tackling across all defensive positions.