Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has plenty of experience as Chicago’s backup running back. He served that role his rookie year in 2023 and had a career-high in rushing yards with 352. Johnson was also the backup running back in 2024, when he was also used in goal-line situations and had six rushing touchdowns.
However, with the Bears signing D’Andre Swift in 2024 and the emergence of Kyle Monangai during his rookie season last year, Johnson took a backseat and became the No. 3 back on the roster; he only had 17 rushing yards last season. During training camp, Johnson had to fight just to maintain the third string running back spot on the roster.
But, when Monangai suffered an injury that resulted in him missing a good portion of camp,
Johnson stepped up in a big way as the backup running back the Bears needed. The way Johnson was able to have a strong camp and fill in for Monangai left an impression on the coaches, including new offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
“Roschon is a guy that really had a great finish to camp here, somebody that earned a lot of trust through the last couple weeks,” Taylor said. “As Kyle goes down and Roschon’s numbers increase and he got more opportunities, he proved to us that he’s trustworthy. He can be in those situations if it comes down to it where we need him to carry a heavier load than we expected while being involved in special teams. That’s something he’s done well.”
While Swift exited practice early last week, it's believed he suffered a cramp and should be available for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13. Monangai’s availability is less certain since his hyperextended knee could cause him to miss the opener. If that were the case, Johnson would serve as the second back for the game against Carolina.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Press Taylor praises Bears RB Roschon Johnson for stepping up
