Chicago Bears’ Roschon Johnson gets crucial endorsement from Ryan Poles

When fans and analysts talk about the current Chicago Bears running back room, the focus is all on D’Andre Swift. However, general manager Ryan Poles knows Chicago has numerous potent options to consider.

One of them being Roschon Johnson. While he was relegated to goal line duties in 2024, the running back made the most of it by matching Swift’s team-high six touchdowns. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Bears add another running back in free agency. But for the time being, Johnson’s job appears safe.

Especially when he has such a strong backing from Poles. The general manager is fully aware that Chicago must improve their ground game in 2025. But he believes having Johnson in the mix only gives the Bears a stronger unit, via Kap & J.Hood on ESPN1000.

“Roschon, really looking forward to him playing a physical brand of football that we know he has,” Poles said. “That role was a bit out of whack last year. I think he is going to have more of a physical role for us.”

While Chicago’s running backs themselves need to step up, the offensive line in front of them during the 2024 season did them no favors. Alongside the addition of running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, Poles believes Johnson and all the Bears running backs are in a much greater position to succeed.

“It’s a really good room,” Poles said. “I’m really excited about Eric Bieniemy being here. There’s a long track record of his development and ability to raise the level of play for that room. With the additions at O-line, you’re going to feel that when we’re looking at the running back position in terms of how they perform and their efficiency.”

Roschon Johnson takes on physical role with Chicago Bears

In a sense, Johnson did play a physical role in 2024, as evident by his goal line touchdowns. However, that was his only role. The running back received just 55 total carries, turning it into 150 total yards. In Poles’ vision, he wants Johnson to take on more responsibility in the offense.

As a rookie, he received 81 carries, rushing for 352 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry, which is noticeable after Swift averaged a mere 3.8 in 2024. It’s not like Johnson had a major role as a rookie, but he at least proved he can be a factor with the ball in his hands.

It would be shocking to see Johnson truly emerge as the lead rusher in head coach Ben Johnson’s new offense. But he is at least being given an opportunity to make a difference. If the Bears went out and immediate signed a free agent after the draft, then Johnson would become overlooked. Now, he’ll have an opportunity to show in training camp why he is a strong fit. And if things really don’t work out, then Chicago can turn to the free agent market.

Johnson hasn’t been a dominant running back during his time in the Windy City, but he has certainly impressed Poles. But an endorsement will only go so far. Changes are surely coming to Chicago’s rushing plan. The 2025 season will be the ultimate test for Johnson to prove he belongs.