In their August 7 practice, the Chicago Bears were without running back Roschon Johnson, who was sidelined due to a foot issue, per the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs.
Johnson’s absence puts his availability for the team’s upcoming preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins in question. There’s no indication the injury is serious. Earlier in camp, Johnson had been a standout in goal-line drills, and he’s currently listed as Chicago’s RB2 on the depth chart.
With the team’s top back, D’Andre Swift, along with veteran Travis Homer and rookie Kyle Monangai rounding out the depth chart, we’ll probably be seeing a lot of Monangai in particular this preseason.
The Bears also have Ian Wheeler, a 2024 undrafted free agent, who has yet to play again after suffering a season-ending knee injury last preseason, as well as Deion Hankins, a 2025 UDFA, competing for a job.
2025 Is Going to Be Huge for RB Roschon Johnson
GettyRoschon Johnson missed the Chicago Bears’ August 7 practice with a foot injury.
Now entering Year 3 with the Bears, this is Johnson’s first year under a new regime led by head coach Ben Johnson. No members of this new staff have any loyalty to Roschon, so he’ll have to prove he belongs.
The Bears selected the 6-foot, 225-pound RB in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, valuing his size and his ability to contribute as blocker out of the backfield. As a rookie, Johnson appeared in 15 games, posting 352 yards and a touchdown on 81 carries, also adding 209 receiving yards on 34 receptions.
His 2024 season saw fewer touches — he had 150 yards on 55 carries — but Johnson made his impact felt in the red zone, scoring six rushing touchdowns, tying for the team lead despite his limited usage.
He’s a total brute and bruiser when healthy, and the fact that he was performing well in short-yardage and goal line situations earlier in camp bodes well for him. He’ll need to stay healthy if he wants to keep his job, though.
Roschon Johnson Injury Update: Bears Likely Taking Cautious Approach
Ben Johnson’s history of using multiple running backs in his offense points to Roschon as a natural complement to Swift.
Considering his importance to the offense moving forward, it’s likely the Bears are keeping him out due to an abundance of caution. The team just finished what many analysts in attendance called its most physical practice they’d ever seen, and it’s possible Johnson tweaked his foot at some point.
If he’s healthy, he should be fun to watch this season. Johnson’s is a punishing, between-the-tackles style that wears down defenses. The one-two punch he and Swift should provide is expected to be central to Chicago’s rushing attack in 2025, Beyond Swift, Johnson and the rookie Monangai, the Bears’ running back depth is virtually nonexistent, which makes Johnson’s availability all the more critical.
While the foot issue appears minor for now, his role as a reliable rotational option means the Bears will be eager to have him back in action as soon as possible. We’ll see how much he plays during the preseason, if he plays at all.
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