As the Chicago Bears gear up for the start of their 2025 NFL training camp, there’s already no shortage of headlines surrounding the team’s roster, injury list, and offseason decision-making. The team enters camp with rising expectations following a busy offseason and the highly anticipated debut of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. However, questions remain about the health of some key players, particularly one of the defense’s most vital members, and whether the team has done enough to support its passing attack.
One of the most pressing concerns as practices get underway is the status of cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Johnson, who is fresh off his second straight Pro Bowl appearance, was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list as camp opened. The team has not disclosed the nature or severity of the injury, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on his availability for the season's start. Johnson was a standout performer for the Bears in 2024, recording two interceptions, eight pass deflections, and seven tackles for loss in 17 games. Those numbers highlight both his versatility and growing value to the defensive unit.
Should Johnson’s absence extend into meaningful practice time, the Bears will likely lean on younger talent to fill the void. Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon are expected to take on more prominent roles, while rookie corner Zah Frazier and returning player Terrell Smith may also see increased reps. The secondary will face a tough test early in the season, so the need for stability at cornerback is urgent.
Meanwhile, wide receiver remains a position of both opportunity and concern for Chicago. Reports indicate that former Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark recently visited the team ahead of camp. Chark has become something of a journeyman over the past few seasons, most recently spending time with the Detroit Lions in 2022 under current Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Last season, he recorded just four receptions for 31 yards and one touchdown in a limited role, but his veteran experience and prior connection to the coaching staff could offer value if he’s signed.
The Bears have already been active in upgrading their receiving corps this offseason. They drafted Missouri standout Luther Burden III in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that signals a commitment to developing young talent. Additionally, they signed free agents Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, both of whom bring speed and return game experience. Still, none of the recent additions have yet proven themselves as top-tier threats, and bringing in another veteran like Chark could offer both depth and mentorship to the youthful receiver room.
Another important roster update involves the quarterback position. Backup quarterback Case Keenum, who had been on the Non-Football Injury list, has passed his physical and was activated just in time for the start of camp. Keenum is expected to battle second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent for the backup role behind first overall pick Caleb Williams. With Williams locked in as the starter, the competition for the number two job is heating up early in the summer.
Speaking of Williams, a recent report added a fascinating wrinkle to the Bears’ draft story. According to league insiders, the Bears were seriously considering selecting JJ McCarthy with the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft before ultimately deciding on Williams. McCarthy, who was picked by the Minnesota Vikings, missed all of the 2024 season due to a meniscus injury but is expected to start for Minnesota this year. The fact that Chicago reportedly viewed him as a strong option highlights just how close the draft decision may have been.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see how that alternate universe might have played out. The Bears are set to host McCarthy and the Vikings at Soldier Field in Week 1 for a Monday Night Football showdown, a game that will certainly draw national attention given the quarterback storyline. The matchup will mark Williams’ regular season debut, and facing off against the quarterback he was nearly replaced by in the draft adds a compelling narrative layer.
The opening week of training camp is often full of optimism, but for the Bears, it’s also filled with questions. Can Jaylon Johnson return to health in time to anchor the secondary? Will another wide receiver be added to stabilize the depth chart? And will Caleb Williams prove he was the right choice for the franchise’s future? With so much change and potential in play, Chicago fans have every reason to be intrigued and invested as the 2025 NFL season draws closer.
