Roschon Johnson makes impact (literally) on Day 9 of Bears training camp

Chicago Bears fans have been waiting for an update about rookie running back Roschon Johnson since the start of training camp, and they finally got one on Day 9.

Johnson’s missed a few practices with an undisclosed injury and hasn’t had an opportunity to showcase what makes him a quality prospect during the padless sessions he did participate in. That changed Saturday, when Johnson lowered his shoulder and trucked defensive back AJ Thomas.

Sure, it would’ve been a more exciting update if Johnson ran over a starter on the Chicago Bears defense, but the wait for the fourth-round pick to have a standout rep is finally over. Perhaps Saturday’s practice will jumpstart a hot streak for Johnson, who should get a long look in the Bears’ first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 12.

Roschon Johnson is in a training camp battle with Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman for meaningful backfield reps in 2023. Herbert is having a nice summer, and it’d be a surprise if Johnson unseats him. The real focus is the competition for RB2, where Johnson has a better chance of cutting into Foreman’s playing time.

Both Johnson and Foreman profile as the power backs in Chicago’s running back by committee. With Foreman in town on a one-year deal, the Bears could lean toward Johnson with a long-term vision in mind.

Roschon Johnson is used to fighting for playing time. He was the RB2 for the Texas Longhorns behind Bijan Robinson, one of the best running back prospects to enter the NFL in several years. Johnson only had one season with more than 100 carries in college, but he proved to be an efficient runner with his opportunities. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry at Texas, including a career-best 6 yards per carry in 2022.

It’s been a long time since a Chicago Bears fourth-round pick had as much hype as Johnson has entering his rookie season. And after a quiet start at training camp, he’s finally beginning to make headlines on the field.