The Chicago Bears placed four players on the active/non-football injury (NFI) list on July 19: veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson, backup quarterback Case Keenum, wide receiver Jahdae Walker and running back Ian Wheeler.
While none of the injuries are believed to be anything serious, the timing is a tad concerning, as the team is set to begin its first training camp under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Walker and Wheeler are both vying for depth roles on offense and special teams and their temporary sidelining could absolutely shift their evaluations.
Folks who watched the Bears on “Hard Knocks” last season should remember Wheeler, as he became a fan favorite for his hustle and determination. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL during the preseason and had to miss the entire 2024 regular season. He’s still ramping up after that injury. Walker is an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M who signed with the Bears after the draft.
More on Jaylon Johnson Being on Bears NFI List
GettyChicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson was placed on the NFI list.
Johnson has grown into one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks since the Bears drafted him 50th overall in 2020. Over his first five seasons, he started 70 games, racking up 214 tackles, 49 pass breakups and seven interceptions.
His reputation as a shutdown corner has only strengthened each year, with 2023 marking his breakout campaign. That season, Johnson started 14 games and tallied four interceptions—one returned for a touchdown—along with 36 tackles and eight passes defensed. His chemistry with fellow corner Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker gives Chicago one of the most formidable young secondaries in football.
In 2024, Johnson took another step forward, starting all 17 games and earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He finished with 53 total tackles, eight PBUs and two picks, anchoring a defense that frequently kept the Bears in games despite offensive inconsistencies.
Johnson’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet—he’s a vocal leader and someone opposing coordinators have to game-plan around. In an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” on July 16, Johnson didn’t mention anything about an injury, which indicates this isn’t anything too serious.
“I know I’m a high-level player and a top guy at my position and in this league,” he told guest host Seth Rollins. “I can only control what I can control, and I’ve been doing that for five years now, going on six, so my focus is on just dominating”
With Dennis Allen taking over as defensive coordinator in 2025, Johnson is expected to be the cornerstone of a unit that aims to take a major leap forward, so look for him to be ready to go sooner rather than later.
What About QB Case Keenum?
Keenum missed the entire 2024 season with a foot injury. In April 2025, the Bears added him to the QBs room, inking him to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, with the intent for him to serve as a stabilizing presence and mentor for starter Caleb Williams.
The Bears also have Tyson Bagent returning from last season to compete for the QB2 job, so it’s not like they don’t have a backup QB in camp.
Keenum’s experience and understanding of the game make him a roster lock. Chicago brought him aboard to help mentor both of its young quarterbacks, so his role is likely going to be predominantly spent showing Williams and Bagent the ropes with a clipboard in hand. Plus, he’s 37, so he’s bound to have a few ailments from time to time.
Thus, being on the NFI list to open camp isn’t a big deal considering the long term value he brings to the quarterbacks room.
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