Rookie RB Roschon Johnson getting 1st-team reps at Bears practice

Fantasy football managers may want to pay attention to this latest Chicago Bears practice update. Rookie running back Roschon Johnson got his first taste of reps with the first team on Monday following an impressive preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.

Johnson finished Saturday’s game with a team-high 12 carries for 44 yards. His first carry displayed his trademark tackle-breaking power when he busted through the Titans’ defense for 24 yards.

Roschon Johnson running MAD pic.twitter.com/u4T04h7cxw

— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) August 13, 2023

Coach Matt Eberflus confirmed Tuesday that the Bears like Johnson’s running style and that the competition at running back is ongoing.

Veteran Khalil Herbert had a strong preseason opener as well. He ran the ball four times for 15 yards and took his only reception 56 yards for a touchdown. Herbert hasn’t done anything to lose the starting job. In fact, he’s a legitimate breakout candidate if he opens the season as Chicago’s RB1.

But Roschon Johnson has been touted as a potential pillar of the Bears organization since the moment the team selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. He’s a favorite of GM Ryan Poles because of his leadership and work ethic, which are evident in how hard he plays on every rep.

The Chicago Bears want high intensity and hustle from their players, and Johnson brings those traits to the offense. I don’t think he’ll open the season as the starting running back, but if he proves to be a tone-setter that forces defenses to respect the run, his role on offense will continue to grow.

Roschon Johnson’s next chance to impress Bears coaches is Saturday, Aug. 19, when Chicago takes on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 of the NFL Preseason.