After the addition of Pro Bowl running back D'Andre Swift this offseason, with Khalil Herbert also on the roster, it would seem likely that Roschon Johnson will get a heavy share of the preseason snaps at the running back position for the Chicago Bears offense.
First, when you look at the depth chart, the preseason is perfect for him. Khalil Herbert will get work, but he is entering the final year of his contract, and he is a known commodity in the building.
D’Andre Swift will work with the first team and likely be done after the first quarter in each preseason game. He is a prized free agent, and the team will not waste his snaps with anyone but Caleb Williams. Even with Williams, you would expect Swift to be in a bit of a timeshare.
The Bears have Travis Homer, but he is a veteran, and they know he is a passing down back. They have a UDFA rookie, and then they have Johnson. The majority of the work should go to Johnson.
Roschon Johnson should get an extended look during the Chicago Bears' preseason.
While he got some work as a rookie, the Bears still do not know what they have in him. When Herbert got hurt, Johnson was in the concussion protocol, so he was unable to take advantage of the opening in carries. He struggled to outshine Herbert or D’onta Foreman last year.
So, this will be his chance to prove that he is better now. The Bears really need to see his pass protection and power. If he can show that he handles those two areas, there is not a better back on the roster for either. It would allow them to utilize the speed and pass-catching that Swift and Herbert bring to the table without fear of wearing them down.
The next couple of weeks should be spent figuring out how much they can trust Johnson in these two key areas.