Bears coach Ben Johnson hints at veteran’s potential role for NFL season

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have one preseason game left before they start their regular-season schedule. He and his staff have seen some players step up their games, competing for a spot in the 53-man roster. One of them is Roschon Johnson, who has emerged as a capable starter amid Kyle Monangai’s injury.

Johnson has played significant minutes during the team’s first two preseason matchups. He has carried the football 12 times for 42 yards and has additional value as he also sees action with special teams. The 25-year-old entered the league as the No. 115 overall pick in the fourth round in 2023. He has since appeared in 36 regular-season games, recording 138 rushing attempts for 519 yards and eight touchdowns.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson discusses Roschon Johnson’s potential role

The second-year head coach hinted that Johnson could be a lock for team’s RB3 role. Johnson added that he is excited to see what the veteran running back brings to the table once the regular season starts.

“He flashed the other day, in particular on special teams,” Johnson said. “And we keep talking about the importance of being the number 3 running back or depth in the running back room and being able to bring that to the table. He had a couple really nice plays in practice, can’t wait to see what it looked like on game tape, because we talked about wanting to see players stack good performances back-to-back, and he’s a candidate that may have done that tonight.”

Johnson is entering his fourth season and could play a bigger role with Monangai reportedly set to miss multiple weeks. He sustained an hyperextended knee, leaving a gaping hole at the position and adding to the Bears’ injury woes. The good news is Johnson is proving his worth and could take on Monangai’s role until he returns to 100%. No clear timeline has been set for the seventh-round pick in 2025.