The Chicago Bears delivered a bit of good news on what is technically Day 2 of 2025 training camp regarding quarterback Case Keenum.
Keenum, who signed with the Bears in free agency this offseason, was one of four players that the Bears placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list on Saturday, July 19, as quarterbacks and rookies reported for camp. The rest of the team’s veterans will report on July 22.
It will ultimately be a short stint for the journeyman QB.
Bears QB Case Keenum Makes Quick Return From NFI List
Bears Will Have Full QB Room Available
“QB Case Keenum has been activated off of Active/NFI,” the Bears’ public relations social media team posted on X on July 20, just short of a full 24 hours after the organization announced the 11-year veteran was being placed on it.
Keenum, 37, is on his eighth NFL team, and the fourth in the last six years.
He has not been a full-time starter since 2019, but he is expected to push 2023 undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent, the longest-tenured Bears QB, for the backup job behind Caleb Williams.
Keenum has completed 62.3% of his passes for 15,175 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions in his career. He also has a 30-36 record as a starter, but has a wealth of experience in a variety of systems.
Most importantly for Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Co., Keenum will be available when they hit the practice field on July 23.
They did not announce anything on Pro Bowl running back Jaylon Johnson, undrafted free agent rookie receiver Jahdae Walker, or second-year UDFA running back Ian Wheeler. All three went on the list with Keenum on Saturday.
Case Keenum’s Value Proven in Teammate’s Comments
Keenum spoke highly about Bagent’s future in the league, a message that got back to the young passer.
“I think Tyson’s going to play a long time in this league, I really do,” Keenum told reporters in May. “He is very athletic, he’s trained, and he is hungry, man. He’s one of the most well-prepared guys on that field every day. So, I’m very impressed with him.”
Bagnet was equally effusive with praise for Keenum.
“For anybody to say that is pretty sweet, and pretty cool, and it means a lot. This is my life’s work. So, it does mean a lot,” Bagent told Clocker Sports in June.”
Bagent said it meant “a little bit more” coming from Keenum, citing watching his new teammate in the first NFL game he attended. The Bears may hope they never have to turn to Keenum in a game, but they are surely glad that he is around.
Keenum is on a one-year, $2.2 million deal with the Bears with $55.7 million in career earnings.