The Chicago Bears are facing an unfortunate challenge in their backfield with multiple injuries at running back, but the team doesn’t seem to be panicking. With running backs Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, and rookie Kyle Monangai nursing injuries, the Bears turned heads by experimenting with wide receiver DJ Moore in the backfield during recent practices.
Bears Exploring With DJ Moore in the Backfield
During training camp, Moore has occasionally taken handoffs out of the backfield, but according to reporters at practice, his most recent reps came out of necessity.
“We’re depleted a little bit in that area as you can see,” Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. “And so, we got to find ways to get our guys the ball. That doesn’t always have to be the running back; that can be a wideout, that can be a tight end, but we’ll continue to try to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers.”
That playmaker-first approach could be why Moore, who has been the team’s most dynamic offensive weapon since arriving in Chicago, is now being considered in more unconventional roles. Moore lined up in the backfield multiple times during individual drills and combo sessions, signaling that the coaching staff is preparing for contingency packages should the running back depth continue to dwindle.
While this isn’t expected to become a full-time role for Moore, it does hint at wrinkles in the offense designed to maximize versatility in the face of adversity.
Early Waivers Show Bears’ Confidence in RB Depth
What’s most telling about the Bears’ outlook on their running back injuries is how they’ve handled roster moves. On Monday, August 25th, Chicago waived running backs Ian Wheeler and veteran Royce Freeman, despite not being required to cut down the league-mandated 53-man roster until 3 p.m. Central time on Tuesday, August 26th.
The timing suggests the Bears are not overly concerned with long-term setbacks with the RBs dealing with injuries, with all three not expected to be sidelined for extended periods. It’s also worth noting that Chicago has already placed three players on season-ending injured reserve, including rookie running back Deion Hankins.
Yet, instead of rushing to secure more immediate depth, the Bears appear content with their current roster construction.
For now, the only running backs who suited up at practice were D’Andre Swift and Brittain Brown, leaving little room for error if another injury were to occur. Still, but cutting Wheeler and Freeman early, Chicago displayed a level of confidence that may surprise some fans.
The Bears seem more focused on refining their offensive identity rather than scrambling for short-term replacements.
With Moore already proving himself as a difference-maker, he is the Bears’ secret weapon who could create yet another layer of unpredictability for opposing defenses. And while the injuries to Johnson, Homer, and Monangai have tested Chicago’s depth, the early waivers and practice adjustments suggest the team believes the problem is temporary rather than a looming crisis.
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