Bears presented with concerning problem at first practice since roster cutdowns

The harsh reality of the NFL is football teams still have to practice even when players are getting cut from rosters. That's the same reality the Chicago Bears faced on Monday at their first practice since roster cutdowns occurred, but a new problem has presented itself.

ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin shared that during Monday's practice, the team only had two healthy running backs on the field. That would be D'Andre Swift and Brittain Brown.

Throughout training camp, the Bears have been plagued by injuries, including Roschon Johnson dealing with a foot injury, and rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai has also been dealing with an injury. The team lost Deion Hankins for the season due to a knee injury sustained in the preseason. Travis Homer has also missed a good portion of training camp with an injury.

How serious are the injuries for the Bears at running back?

It certainly leaves an interesting situation for the Bears in the backfield. At least the good news is that they have their starter, Swift, on the field. Brown was added in the middle of training camp, but has managed to rush for 100 yards to be tied for the team lead in rushing yards.

The Bears' second string to fourth string backs are all out which leaves some depth issues. This might not be a big problem, though, as the team still decided to waive the other 100-yard rusher from the preseason, Ian Wheeler, from the team as part of the second wave of cuts.

Johnson and Monangai should be able to make their return to the field before the Bears' Week 1 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings. If they can't, Swift is more than capable of being a three-down back and Brown has had success in the preseason, but it would leave Chicago very thin at running back.

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The Bears could force quarterback Caleb Williams to throw the football more with two backs, but the hope is it doesn't come down to that.