Chicago Bears: Ryan Poles raises major concern about Kyler Gordon’s 2026 Season

The Chicago Bears released their initial 53-man roster this past weekend, signaling the beginning of another NFL season. This one is important for the Bears, as expectations have risen after an unexpected playoff run in 2025.

Surprise cuts were inevitable, as they are every season, but placing star CB Kyler Gordon on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list concerned fans. This will keep Gordon out for the first four games of the season, as he is in the same situation this year as last August, when he was also placed on the PUP list.

Gordon has missed plenty of games over the course of his four-year NFL career, and he only played in three games last season. This is especially frustrating for the Bears, as Gordon signed a three-year, $40 million deal last summer, $ 31.5 million of which is guaranteed.

This afternoon, GM Ryan Poles spoke to the media about several topics, including the confusing Kyler Gordon situation. His comments will surely not ease the minds of the organization or fans. He was asked when, and if Gordon will return.

“I don’t know. I would hope so; I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing football again.”

The tone coming from Poles is the most alarming part. He seems annoyed to have to answer this question again and again.

Ryan Poles was asked if Kyler Gordon is going to play for the Bears again.

His response is telling “I don’t know…” pic.twitter.com/tzCU4wxOGL

— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) September 1, 2026

He also says Gordon has no timetable for a return right now, signaling even more worry within the organization. No one seems to know what the heck is going on here, even the general manager.

“I really can’t,” Poles said when asked if he can give any specifics on Gordon’s injury. “When people come back from injury, there’s different things that happen. Sometimes they return fast, sometimes it’s slow. It’s really a timing and healing thing. Confidence thing. We’ll see.”

Another vague response. It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the defense responds. The secondary will be thin with Gordon, but even thinner without.

Given his injury history, the longer Gordon misses time, the harder it will be to move on from him after this season. That is, if it gets to that point, but albeit something to think about. When Gordon is on the field, his impact is obvious, but it may be hard to put aside these concerns.

Chicago Bears media members have been predicting this with Gordon

Some Chicago Bears talking heads have been adamant about their concerns about Kyler. Earlier this morning, David Haugh, co-host of “Haugh and Payton” on 104.3 The Score, had plenty to say about Gordon’s situation.

He doesn’t think Gordon will play a snap for the Bears in 2026, and if that’s true, this already shaky secondary could get a lot more concerning. This was before the Ryan Poles presser, which only made things more confusing.

.@DavidHaugh: “I believe the Bears are planning to play the 2026 season without Kyler Gordon. I don’t see any evidence that he will play in a game this season.

“I don’t think the coach knows the player, and I don’t think the coach really wants to get to know the player.” pic.twitter.com/D8B1coDu2z

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) September 1, 2026

Haugh says he sees “no evidence” that Kyler Gordon will play this season. He goes on to praise his elite athleticism and flexibility, questioning the soft-tissue injury. It almost seemed that he was questioning the legitimacy of the situation.

Another standout quote from the clip is Haugh on Bears HC Ben Johnson.

“I don’t think the coach knows the player, and I don’t think the coach really wants to get to know the player.”

Since Johnson took over last spring, it’s been nothing but praise from the media, fans, and most players. That’s alarming, since it’s the first we’ve heard of potential tension between a “star” player and the head coach.

When asked if Gordon has played his last game as a Chicago Bears defensive back, Haugh responded, “More than likely.”

More: ESPN ranks Chicago Bears surprisingly high in new Power Rankings

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