Jaylon Johnson Pulls No Punches

Jaylon Jones wasn't about to cushion this for the sake of gamesmanship or to hype interest in the game or for any other reason.

The Minnesota Vikings will find playing without Justin Jefferson tougher.

"That change a whole lot," the Bears cornerback said. "They already lost Dalvin Cook and he was pretty much their guy in the run game and now they lose their No. 1 target in the pass game for the last four years.

"So they definitely have some stepping up to do. I know for the other receivers, and I'm sure they're looking forward to the opportunity to get some targets thrown their way, because with 18 out there, it's a different ballgame. Definitely I know they are going to come in hungry. They are going to try to establish the run I'm sure. Get out there and be physical. So we have to match that and top that actually and go out there and dominate like we know we can."

The Vikings have never played without Jefferson since he came into the league.

They're not without weapons for quarterback Kirk Cousins since they do have rookie Jordan Addison, and he's tied for the NFL rookie lead in touchdowns.

"I've really been watching him since he was at USC when he transferred over, going against the Utes, obviously," said Johnson, a former Utah player himself. "I think he's a crafty receiver. He's a good route runner. He picks it up for where he kind of lacks in size."

Addison is 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, about Darnell Mooney's size.

"He's crafty, a good savvy route runner who is continuing to learn and grow," Johnson said. "You can see where he's a little young at but he definitely has some strengths and intangibles that can threaten defenses."

They also have KJ Osborn, who hurt the Bears in their meetings last year, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Minnesota will find a much different lineup in the Bears secondary than Washington and Denver faced the last two weeks.

Although nothing is certain, all three injured starters practiced Thursday -- Johnson (hamstring), safety Eddie Jackson (foot) and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon (hand) all practiced on a limited basis. They could be expected to ramp up into full practice mode the next two days as has happened with other Bears returning from injuries who had limited practices on Wednesdays.

Johnson is fine now after two missed games.

While the Bears were down two cornerbacks, Johnson liked what he saw from Bears rookie Terell Smith. So did coach Matt Eberflus.

"Fearless," Johnson said. "I didn't see a bit of fear in him when he was out there. I think he flew around and made plays on the ball and of course there were some things he would want back to learn from. But I mean that's part of the game. Everybody would want some plays back.

"I think he stepped in and did a heck of a job."

Smith has an 86.3 passer rating against when targeted, according to Sportradar. He has allowed just 52.6% completions (10 of 19). He also stripped a football and recovered it.

"Yeah we love where is right now," Eberflus said about the 2023 fifth-round pick. "He is really growing, really improving. We like where his tackling is, his coverage ability, his competes, his takeaways. All those things are really good. He just has to continue to improve. He's going to play for us. How much and all that we'll work through the week on that. But we certainly like where he is just in terms of his overall skill.

"I think (secondary coach) Jon Hoke is doing an excellent job with those young corners, yah know? And we're excited to get Gordon back. And Jaylon as well. It's nice to have guys in there and we'll see where all those guys are this week, the guys who are coming back. But I'm excited to see those guys back for sure."

For now, though, whoever plays will not be facing Jefferson.

"Of course, I was hurt last year, he was hurt this year," Johnson said. "So. I ain't played him since, what, '21 almost? Yeah? So. I was definitely looking forward to it. But I'll see him in the future."

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