Ben Johnson has consistently taken responsibility when things go wrong for the Chicago Bears, something that’s been noticeable since the season kicked off. However, when it comes to his assistants, he’s been noticeably cautious — offering public praise only to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for his standout work. That silence toward others on his staff doesn’t necessarily mean he’s without opinions, and recent comments hint that he may be growing frustrated with the team’s training and strength departments.

Ben Johnson reacts to CBS halftime interview

This tension became apparent after the Bears’ defeat to the Ravens in Baltimore. When asked about cornerback Kyler Gordon — recently placed on Injured Reserve with groin and calf issues — Johnson’s answer subtly reflected irritation with the team’s rash of muscle-related injuries.“We’re hoping it’s a short-term situation and that he’ll be back soon,” Johnson said. “It’s yet another soft tissue injury we’re dealing with.”

Injuries are an inevitable part of football, but frequent soft tissue issues often point to problems in conditioning and training methods. So far this season, eight Bears players have missed at least one game because of hamstring, quad, calf, or groin injuries. Even D’Andre Swift has been dealing with nagging issues despite avoiding missed time. Clearly, this is becoming a recurring problem.

Changes could be coming for the Bears’ training staff

When Johnson took over, he kept most of the existing staff intact. Head trainer Andre Tucker, who’s been in the role since 2018, remained in place. Pierre Ngo, previously an assistant in the strength and conditioning department, was promoted after the team parted ways with Jim Arthur.

Unfortunately, the results suggest this duo hasn’t been fully effective in preparing players for the grind of an NFL season. While major injuries like ACL tears or concussions can’t always be prevented, soft tissue problems are typically manageable with the right preparation.

These constant setbacks are beginning to affect the Bears’ performance on the field. A similar pattern emerged in 2004, when Lovie Smith’s first year as head coach was marred by a wave of comparable injuries. That offseason, he replaced the training staff, and the team’s health noticeably improved the following year. If history repeats itself, Johnson may be forced to take a similar approach once this season concludes.