Is Roschon Johnson on the chopping block? Inside the Bears' running back scramble

The Chicago Bears entered training camp with a running‑back room that looks more like a revolving door than a settled unit. Among the hopefuls, Roschon Johnson— a second‑round pick out of Arkansas— has found himself thrust into the spotlight, and not the kind he’d probably prefer.

Johnson arrived in Chicago with a solid college résumé: 2,110 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a reputation for being a tough, physical runner who can also catch passes out of the backfield. The Bears’ scouting department praised his “down‑hill vision” and “nose‑for‑the‑goal line,” traits that seemed perfect for a team still searching for a go‑to ground game.

But the reality of an NFL roster is merciless. The Bears currently have four players listed as running backs on the 53‑man roster: veteran Jordan Howard, versatile Jamaal Williams, undrafted free‑agent Ka’Deem Carey, and the younger, less proven D’Andre Swift, who is nursing a lingering ankle injury. Add in a handful of practice‑squad players, and the competition for those precious two active spots becomes brutal.

Coach Matt Eberflus has been vocal about “earning your badge,” and he’s made it clear that draft status only buys you a little extra time. In the latest preseason scrimmage, Johnson’s performance was a mixed bag. He broke a tackle for a 7‑yard gain early in the first quarter— a promising flash of his power. Yet, a muffed snap later on left him staring at the sideline, a reminder that consistency is king.

Adding to the drama is the Bears’ salary‑cap situation. The team is still feeling the sting of last year’s big contracts, and every roster move is weighed against the cap ceiling. Cutting a rookie like Johnson, who carries a relatively low cap hit, could free up space for a veteran special‑teams ace or a depth piece at another position.

Fans on social media are divided. Some argue that Johnson’s athletic upside warrants a roster spot, citing his ability to block and catch as key reasons he could thrive in a multi‑dimensional offense. Others point to the veteran presence of Howard and Williams, saying experience in high‑pressure situations outweighs raw talent.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to a single factor: special‑teams contribution. If Johnson can prove he’s not just a ball‑carrier but also a reliable gunner on kickoffs and punts, his odds improve dramatically. That’s the unsung way many late‑round picks carve out a career in the NFL.

As the final cuts loom, the Bears will have to decide whether to gamble on Johnson’s developmental ceiling or stick with the proven, albeit aging, options. One thing’s certain— the next few weeks will be a nail‑biter for the rookie from Arkansas, and a lot will be riding on his ability to adapt, stay disciplined, and make the most of every snap he gets.