Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has shown throughout his career how versatile he has been as a player. That might be tested a lot more to start the season out.
ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin shared on Wednesday how, during practice, Moore was seen more often in the backfield. Moore even caught a touchdown pass while playing at running back.
The final practice of the preseason just ended. Couple notes:
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 27, 2025
-Jaquan Brisker and Ruben Hyppolite left early. No T.J. Edwards or Dominique Robinson today. Both left early on Tuesday.
-As Ryan Poles addressed yesterday, Kiran Amegadjie was at left guard w the 2s
-More reps for DJ…
The Bears have had major concerns at running back throughout training camp, with multiple injuries affecting their depth. So far, they have had Roschon Johnson and rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai dealing with injuries, which has left D'Andre Swift as the only healthy running back on the 53-man roster. Brittian Brown is currently on the practice squad.
How Moore's role might change even more than some thought in Ben Johnson's offense
Moore in the backfield is nothing new for Bears fans, as they have seen him there throughout camp. It has always been the plan to put him there and run unique passing routes from there.
Ben Johnson was probably not planning on him taking any carries there, but it wouldn't be the worst idea ever. Moore has 57 carries for 431 yards and one touchdown on the ground in his seven-year career. If there is any receiver who could play running back and do it well, it's Moore.
He might not be the power back that the Bears are missing right now, but he and Swift add some speed back there that could open up the play calling. It could leave Johnson with both options in the backfield and come up with creative play-action bootleg calls, which the first-year coach has shown a preference for in the preseason.
Read more: Bears fans holding their breaths with yet another untimely injury to secondary
The Bears will most likely either bring in a second running back if Roschon Johnson and Monangai's injuries are severe enough to miss Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Still, Moore is a solid insurance policy in the backfield and one that might be used often early in the season.