The Chicago Bears are gearing up to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, but they will not have running back Roschon Johnson. The 2023 fourth-round draft pick has been sidelined for more than a week with a foot injury and appears to be anxiously awaiting his return.
Johnson carved out a critical role as the Bears’ short-yardage and goal-line back in 2024.
This season, he faces stiffer competition for carries behind starter D’Andre Swift, which only adds to the significance of his absence.
Roschon Johnson Sends Message Amid Continued Absence From Bears Training Camp
Bears Backfield Missing Roschon Johnson
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast,” Johnson captioned an image of himself shared to his Instagram stories on August 16.
The phrase comes from James 1:12 in the bible.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him,” reads the full verse, per Bible.com.
Johnson has endured some trials with the Bears, not only as the team has seen significant roster and coaching turnover, but also as injuries have impacted his availability.
Johnson missed two games in 2023 and three contests in 2024, all with concussions.
He returned to the field wearing a guardian cap in 2024 and has worn it during this summer’s training camp as well. However, the more immediate challenge could be in the form of his new teammates.
Roschon Johnson Facing Challenge From Rookie Training Camp Standout
Johnson and Swift complement each other, and the Bears made use of that last season. This offseason and in training camp, though, rookie seventh-round draft pick Kyle Monangai has made his presence felt almost daily.
Monangai was eating into Johnson’s carries behind Swift while the incumbent was still healthy.
The rookie has received praise for his hard-nosed running style and coachability, but he has had issues in pass protection, as many rookies do.
Still, he has earned the trust of the coaching staff to see the field, and the cap on that appears to be up to him. That could put Johnson in danger as the team approaches the final roster cutdown date on August 26.
He does add value to the backfield if he can get and stay healthy, though.
The Bears also have undrafted free agents Deion Hankins and Ian Wheeler, and veterans Brittain Brown and Travis Homer in the fold.