NFL.com projects surprise running back as starter for Bears
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of organized team activities, where veterans and rookies will hit the practice field for the first time together.
General manager Ryan Poles has overhauled the roster in a big way this offseason, and there aren’t too many surprises when trying to predict the starting lineup, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal also projected the Bears’ starters heading into the regular season. While the starting offense appears all but set at this point, Rosenthal had rookie Roschon Johnson slotted as Chicago’s starting running back in Week 1.
I’m probably going too far projecting fourth-round rookie Roschon Johnson as the starter here, but I like his running style. It should be a wide-open competition with Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.
Chicago selected Johnson in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, and many believe he could develop into the team’s long-term starter. But he’ll likely start third on the depth chart behind Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.
Regardless of who earns the starting role, the Bears are expected to have a committee approach when it comes to running back.
“I would say the vision isn’t set yet, I think the competition in that room is going to be real,” said offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. “I don’t know if there’s a team that can rely on one guy anymore with the pounding and length of the season.”
