Johnson not only has appeal as a punishing rusher who bulldozed through SEC defenses, but also as a pass catcher. He's kind of like David Montgomery in that regard, but it's unlikely he'll begin the year working in a role similar to that of Montgomery. The Bears coaching staff seems focused on using two backs in a tandem, something Johnson was sort of used to at Texas behind Bijan Robinson. In time, he might overtake both Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman to be the Bears' lead back, but it might be in 2024. That's why Johnson is just a depth RB in Fantasy for 2023 (Round 10 feels about right), but carries value between 15th and 22nd overall in rookie-only Dynasty drafts.
Johnson rushed eight times for 38 yards and caught both of his targets for 11 yards in a 41-10 loss to Kansas City on Sunday.
Johnson continued to split backfield work with Khalil Herbert (7-31-0) after usurping veteran D'Onta Foreman on the depth chart last week. The fourth-round rookie didn't finish with a gaudy stat line, but he was efficient when called upon (4.8 YPC). It is worth noting that he was the first back deployed Sunday, indicating his growing trust from a coaching staff looking for answers after an 0-3 start. It will be interesting to see if Johnson's role continues to increase as the season progresses. For now, he should continue to split work with Herbert against the Broncos next Sunday.
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Bears' Roschon Johnson: Works as Herbert's backup Sunday
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Johnson rushed four times for 32 yards and brought in both targets for 10 yards in the Bears' 27-17 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Johnson elevated to the No. 2 role behind Khalil Herbert with D'Onta Foreman a healthy scratch, and the rookie did a solid job with his modest opportunities. The Texas product's overall performance seemingly didn't do anything to knock Johnson back down a peg on the depth chart, so he's likely to remain the main complementary option to Herbert in a Week 3 road battle against the Chiefs.
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Bears' Roschon Johnson: Headed for No. 2 role
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Johnson is likely to serve as the top backup behind starting running back Khalil Herbert in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with the Bears expected to make D'Onta Foreman a healthy inactive in Week 2, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Johnson was one of the few bright spots for the Bears in their 38-20 loss to the Packers in Week 1. Though most of his touches came in garbage time, Johnson still capitalized on his opportunities, carrying five times for 20 yards and a touchdown while turning seven targets into six receptions for 35 yards. The Bears apparently saw enough from the rookie fourth-round pick out of Texas to give him a look in the No. 2 role this week at the expense of Foreman, who gained just 24 yards on seven touches (five carries, two receptions) against Green Bay. Considering that Herbert doesn't have much of a track record as a lead back in the NFL, Johnson could have a chance to unseat him atop the depth chart if he can continue to find success on the ground and as a pass catcher. Johnson may already be the Bears' preferred option over Herbert on passing downs, given that Herbert has recorded just 26 catches for 190 yards on 33 targets through 31 career games.
You'd have to be a little desperate to roll with Roschon this week, but you should at least make sure he's not a free agent sitting on your waiver wire. At some point he's going to become the Bears' best running back. This could be the start.
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Bears' Roschon Johnson: Scores in NFL debut
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Johnson rushed five times for 20 yards and a touchdown and added six receptions for 35 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Packers.
Johnson saw significant work after the game was out of hand, and he found the end zone late in the fourth quarter. The rookie was also targeted seven times, which tied him for the team lead with Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. More may be learned about his long-term role in the offense next week, when the Bears will likely have a more competitive matchup when they travel to Tampa Bay.
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Bears' Roschon Johnson: Week 1 Waiver Priority List
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Johnson is one of my most rostered players, regardless of position, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's the best running back in Chicago this season. I would add him for at least 10 percent of your remaining FAB where available in all leagues, but don't leave him on the waiver wire. Khalil Herbert will open the season as the starter for the Bears, but I expect Johnson to have a prominent role. D'Onta Foreman also remains in the mix, but Johnson might have the most upside. I'm hopeful that Johnson has a big year in his rookie campaign.
Johnson turned seven carries into 32 yards and hauled in his only target for 11 yards during Saturday's 24-17 preseason loss in Indianapolis.
The Bears gave Khalil Herbert the night off Saturday, allowing D'Onta Foreman the first chance to lead the backfield. Once Johnson took over from Foreman in the second quarter, the rookie fourth-rounder outproduced the veteran in yards from scrimmage, 43-18, on four more touches. The breakdown of Chicago's RB room appears to be unsettled with just one exhibition to go, so Johnson's performance Saturday, Aug. 26 versus the Bills will be one to monitor ahead of Week 1.
