How will the Chicago Bears running back group shake out this year?
Can you imagine if the Minnesota Vikings release Dalvin Cook and Ryan Poles signs him? I had recently reported that Cook would hit waivers, but he has more than four years of experience and therefore would not hit the waiver wire. Veterans with more than four years of experience become free agents immediately unless released after the NFL trade deadline -- then they will also go to waivers. I don't see Dalvin Cook wanting to come to Chicago at this point, but if he does, he'd instantly be the top back on the depth chart.
Let's continue to assume that Ryan Poles feels comfortable with the group already on the roster, this is how I predict the depth chart to shake out this year.
RB Depth Chart
- D'Onta Foreman
- Khalil Herbert
- Roschon Johnson
- Travis Homer
- Khari Blasingame
I don't think Khalil Herbert holds down the RB1 spot for the Chicago Bears in 2023. The only way he finds his way to the top spot is if he somehow improved his pass blocking this offseason. He has home run ability, but D'Onta Foreman is the more complete back. As the starter (10 games) for the Panthers last year, Foreman had four games with over 100 rushing yards. He finished with 914 rushing yards (4.5 ypc) and five touchdowns.
It would not surprise me if Roschon Johnson pushes Herbert for more playing time as the third-down back thanks to his blocking abilities. Trestan Ebner is the guy I think becomes the odd man out. He may stick around on the practice squad and he may not.