The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to win back to back games for the first time since the beginning of October as the team will be traveling to Illinois to take on the Chicago Bears. The Bears are not the same team as they were in recent years, as Chicago is currently 7-3 and first in the NFC North. The group is thriving under first-year Head Coach Ben Johnson, and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams has made great strides towards becoming a good starting quarterback in the league. The defense has also gotten better as the season has come along, and that group may be receiving a little boost for the game against the Steelers.
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Former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson speaks to members of the media at the team's facility in 2024.
Chicago's defense is near the bottom of the league when it comes to yards and points given up, but the group is the best in the league at forcing turnovers. Pittsburgh needs to prioritize protecting the football during this game, as Chicago has proven to have a strong turnover culture. The defense for the Bears may also be getting back All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has spent nearly the entire 2025 season on injured reserve after suffering a core/groin injury during the first game of the year.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson logged a full practice today. He's been out since Week 2 due to a groin injury.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 20, 2025
Would be a boost to a defense that has been hit hard by injuries this season.
It has not been confirmed whether or not Johnson will be taking the field on Sunday, but he had his 21-day practice window opened last week and was a limited participant. He is now being listed as a full participant during practices, which should put him on track to play against Pittsburgh. He may play in a limited capacity, but he should be able to get onto the field.
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Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson reacts to a play during a snowy game at home in Chicago, IL.
Johnson is one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL, and adding him back to the defense that already leads the NFL in takeaways will be a large boost for Chicago. It is unlikely that he would follow a player like DK Metcalf in his first game back from injury, but the cornerback should be lining up across from him a decent amount in the contest if he ends up playing.
Pittsburgh has had a hard enough time moving the ball down the field through the air in recent weeks. Targets have struggled when it comes to gaining separation from the defense, and that has caused pressure to get to the quarterback. Chicago adding an All-Pro level cornerback to its defense the week it plays Pittsburgh is not ideal, and it should make things extra difficult for the offense that could already be playing with a hurt quarterback or a backup.
The Steelers are going to have to rely heavily on wide receivers and other targets that do not have the last name Metcalf. Johnson will be all over him, so it is going to come down to other targets to make some plays.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Need To See A Strong Performance From Tight Ends And Roman Wilson
Pittsburgh finally gave second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson more snaps in Week 11, and the young player seems to be getting better by the week. He is the best on the team when it comes to getting separation, which is something the Steelers are going to need in Chicago. He is going to have to step up in a big way, as will the tight end room. Darnell Washington needs to be a threat in the passing game, and it would be nice to see both Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith get involved as well.
What do you think about Johnson potentially returning for this game? Let us know in the comments below!
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