The Bears have ruled out starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson and backup safety Deon Bush for their game Sunday at the Vikings.
Johnson had been in question all week because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the win over the Texans. The Bears will likely go with fellow rookie Kindle Vildor in his place.
Johnson, a second-round pick, has been one of the best rookie corners in the NFL. He has played 96% of the Bears’ defensive snaps and leads the team with 15 pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 56% of their passes against him.
Bush (foot) plays a smaller role, but losing him further thins a secondary that was already missing nickel corner Buster Skrine. Duke Shelley filled his spot against the Texans.
The Bears activated practice squad cornerback Xavier Crawford with Johnson and Skrine out.
The Bears will also be without secondary coach Deshea Townsend, who did not travel Saturday because of a personal reason. Matt Nagy said Friday it was not coronavirus-related.
In addition to the moves in their secondary, the Bears restored linebacker Manti Te’o to the practice squad after 12 days on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
