On roster cut day, the Chicago Bears held a fairly unusual practice while also making some tough decisions. They were down a few players and saw some others go down with injuries, which is alarming to say the least.
Specifically, their running back room was very thin. Only D'Andre Swift took the field from that group while Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai and Travis Homer were held out due to injury. With Week 1 just two weeks away, this team might need to add some depth, but they aren't alone in that potential quest.
The Cleveland Browns could be the Bears' biggest competition in having to add running back depth after they decided to keep just two at the position in Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson. Fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins still doesn't have a contract, nor has the league implemented disciplinary action for his July arrest, so it might be a while.
The Bears are one of a few teams who need to make a running back signing
Assuming the Bears don't aren't angling toward trotting out three healthy running backs in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, they're going to need to sign a veteran (or two). The Browns aren't the only team also looking, though.
The Tennessee Titans placed the young and ascending Tyjae Spears on injured reserve which means he will miss at least the first four games of the year, leaving Tony Pollard without a seasoned backup (Julius Chestnut or Kalel Mullings).
Teams have made some cuts at running back, of course, and one of them which has some Bears fans talking is rookie seventh-round pick Damien Martinez, whom the Seattle Seahawks cut earlier in the day. The former Miami Hurricanes standout will likely get picked up, but will it be by Chicago?
A few days ago, the running back conundrum didn't seem nearly as bad as it does now that rosters are being trimmed. Seeing just Swift out on the practice field is a sobering fact that speaks to the Bears' need to do something.
Even to get through the next few practices, the Bears should go out and sign a running back or two. Ryan Poles cannot wait, especially considering the Titans and Browns will have higher waiver priority than his Bears do.
Read more: Bears draft pick finally gets the axe in a move all fans saw coming
Will Poles bring anybody else in?