Bears get key player back for start of training camp (but it's not who you think)

Well, there is good news and bad news coming out of Chicago Bears training camp even before it starts.

The good news is that quarterback Case Keenum is back. Chicago's communication department announced on its social media post that it had removed him from the Active/NFI list.

Bears fans were hoping for someone else, which is bad news. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson is still on the list, and everyone seems unsure when he will be back.

Keenum is back and Johnson's absence is still making everyone nervous

At least Keenum returning right away means he's ready for his first training camp with the Bears. The long-time quarterback stepped on the field in the regular season with eight teams. Keenum has thrown for 15,175 yards and 79 touchdowns to 51 interceptions in his career.

He's going into training camp battling with Tyson Bagent to be Caleb Williams' backup at quarterback. It seems likely Bagent wins the job, but Keenum seems secure in the third-string job with Austin Reed also there fighting for a roster spot.

Bears fans were hoping to hear that Johnson was going to be back after he was placed with Keenum and two other players on the active/non-football injury list. It's unclear why it appears he might miss the start of training, whether it is personal or even contract-related.

The Bears' top defender has made the Pro Bowl two consecutive seasons and is the heartbeat of this defense. Losing him would cause some issues at cornerback as Johnson is starting alongside Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon.

Those three not only form the best position group on the Bears' roster, but also one of the best starting groups in the NFL. With a lack of depth on the defensive line and linebacker, the cornerback position appears to be one of the few on defense that is rock solid.

Of course, that is all contingent on Johnson playing. Without him on the field, the Bears are going to have a major problem at cornerback.

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There's still time for him to return, and it's early in camp, so it isn't the end of the world. It would just stress Bears fans less to see him on the field.