After being limited and held out of team drills during open training camp practices, Chicago Bears rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson has been cleared to fully participate in practice as the Bears prepare for their Week 1 contest against the Detroit Lions.
And it’s a good thing, too, considering that the rookie is going to get the start at right cornerback opposite two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. Johnson was listed as the starting right corner on the Bears’ unofficial depth chart, and he confirmed that he will indeed be starting against the Lions this Sunday.
#Bears rookie CB Jaylon Johnson was asked if he was told he'll be starting against the Lions. His answer:
"Correct."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 8, 2020
Johnson managed to accomplish one of his goals for this season, which is starting as a rookie. His other two goals? Win Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Super Bowl championship. Lofty goals to say the least. But getting the start as a rookie is only the start for Johnson.
“I’ve prepared my whole life for this,” the second-round pick told reporters.
Funny enough, Johnson found out that he was starting at cornerback through Twitter.
"I (saw) it the same way everyone else saw it, on Twitter." Bears rookie CB Jaylon Johnson on how he found out he was atop the depth chart.
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) September 8, 2020
Johnson will be challenged right out of the starting gate as he’ll face a talented trio of Lions receivers in Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola. And Johnson expects Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to target him early and often.
“I would expect every quarterback to go after the rookie,” Johnson said.
Johnson has impressed during the short time he was able to practice in training camp, and the Bears certainly feel confident in the rookie as he gets the nod against a potent passing game.
