The Chicago Bears arrived at training camp without any significant controversies. Their draft class is under contract, and every notable veteran in need of a contract extension received one. They also managed to get there without any significant injuries. Well, almost. Word has come out that four players will start camp on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI). One of them is star cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The other three are quarterback Case Keenum, wide receiver Jahdae Walker, and running back Ian Wheeler.
The NFI list is meant for players who suffered an injury unrelated to practice or games. It is most often used for players suffering from illnesses or dealing with off-the-field incidents. Johnson's situation is unclear. One can assume it is nothing serious. If it were, he would've landed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list instead. Still, this is a situation worth watching as camp opens. Rookies reported on Saturday. Veterans are expected to follow on the 22nd. Johnson's absence could create some interesting practice opportunities for others.
Johnson's absence gives the Chicago Bears an opportunity.
That is to evaluate their young cornerback talent. With him temporarily out of the picture, other guys like Terell Smith and rookie 5th round pick Zah Frazier should get more meaningful reps with the first-team defense. Secondary coach Al Harris is tasked with seeing where the depth of this team is on the back end. Everybody knows Johnson is the best player on the Chicago Bears defense. His missing a few practices (hopefully) won't matter. If Smith, Frazier, or somebody else can make an impression, it gives the team some interesting decisions about competition for that third starting spot occupied by Tyrique Stevenson.
Cornerback is definitely an interest that could see unexpected changes over the next month. We will likely hear more about Johnson soon enough.
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