The AP reports: "Cook County Judge John Moran approved a defense request Tuesday to allow Johnson to leave the state as he awaits trial on gun possession charges."

Down Tommie Harris, Johnson's loss would have been a big one for the Bears.

Just what the Bears need: another defensive starter out. ESPN.com reports:

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson was charged Thursday with not having a gun owner identification card after six firearms were found at his Gurnee home.

The misdemeanor charge carries a penalty of up to a year in jail upon conviction, said Jeff Pavletic, first assistant state's attorney in Lake County.