On the podium at the 2024 NFL Combine, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said he "loves where Roschon Johnson is in his development." This was in response to a question about Johnson's potential prospects of being the team's lead back in 2024. The former Texas Longhorn rushed 81 times for 352 yards and two touchdowns and caught 34 passes for 209 yards in his rookie season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 25-year-old ball-carrier Khalil Herbert remains on the roster, while veteran D'Onta Foreman is a free agent. While Eberflus' comments are a good sign, it's far too early to project Johnson's potential workload. With a strong free agent and underrated rookie running back class available this offseason, the organization could easily add to its running back room.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson wrapped up his rookie season in limited fashion, rushing five times for 20 yards in the team's 17-9 loss to the Packers in Week 18. The 2023 fourth-round pick ended his first season with 332 rushing yards on over four yards per attempt along with 209 receiving yards. Despite having to fight for opportunities with veterans Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman, Johnson showed what he can do in the passing game this year and looks to be a weapon for this team to utilize going forward. While he never gained a consistent enough role to be valuable to fantasy managers, Johnson should have more opportunity next year if the team doesn't make a big move for a running back. Like most rookie running backs, he was never completely unleashed and will look to take a step forward in a bigger role in 2024.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has faced challenges in a crowded backfield, seeing 10 or more touches in a game only five times this season. Recently, his role has expanded with D'Onta Foreman missing the last two games. Johnson, primarily a receiving back this year, has demonstrated consistency with at least three catches in each of the last three games and four of the last six. With Khalil Herbert nursing a back injury and limited in practice, Johnson could assume the lead role if both Herbert and Foreman are sidelined in Week 18. Facing the Green Bay Packers, who concede the 12th-most points per game to running backs and rank 26th in DVOA against the run, Johnson emerges as a solid RB2 option in the absence of his counterparts and a viable low-end RB3 if they are available.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson found the end zone for the first time since Week 1 in the team's 37-17 victory over the Falcons in Week 17. The rookie contributed seven rushes for 21 yards and a touchdown, along with catching all three targets for 38 yards. With D'Onta Foreman (coach's decision) sidelined, Khalil Herbert once again assumed the primary rushing role for the Bears. Johnson's overall role remained relatively consistent, still receiving a few carries while demonstrating effectiveness in the passing game. His 14 PPR points marked the highest since Week 1, showcasing his potential with a consistent workload. If Foreman continues to be unavailable, Johnson may gain appeal in PPR formats. The Bears face the Packers in Week 18, who allow the 12th-most points per game to running backs this season.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has seen snap shares exceeding 50% only once this season, predominantly operating as a receiving back. While his involvement in the passing game boosts his appeal in PPR formats, early-down and goal-line situations often favor Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman. Without a consistent stream of touchdown opportunities, the rookie heavily depends on receiving work to deliver for fantasy managers. Guided by Justin Fields, the Bears have embraced a run-heavy strategy, complicating Johnson's fantasy outlook. In Week 17, facing the Falcons, who allow the second-fewest points per game to running backs, and with Foreman's return, the backfield becomes crowded, diminishing Johnson's appeal as a fantasy option. The risk associated with Johnson's uncertain role and the formidable matchup advises caution for fantasy managers in Week 17.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson operated as the clear number two behind Khalil Herbert in Week 16, with D'Onta Foreman out due to personal reasons. The rookie rushed nine times for 37 yards and caught all three targets for 16 yards in the team's 27-16 win over the Cardinals. The Bears leaned on the rushing attack heavily after jumping out to an early lead, but Herbert was the main beneficiary, seeing 21 touches to Johnson's 12. Despite Johnson getting more passing work, the Bears are too run-heavy to consistently provide good receiving volume for their backs. Heading into Week 17 against the Falcons, who allow the second-fewest points per game to running backs this year, Johnson's fantasy value remains limited. Even if Foreman stays out, Johnson doesn't hold much value this season, buried in a deep running back room.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson emerged as the primary backfield contributor in Week 15, registering nine total touches for 60 yards. The Bears' offense struggled to find consistency against the formidable Browns defense, but the rookie showcased the most success in this contest. While Johnson has assumed a larger role in two of the last three weeks, leading the backfield, he only carried the ball once for six yards in Week 14. With D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert healthy, the Bears typically employ a committee approach, relying on the hot hand. Encouragingly for Johnson, he is likely to handle the majority of receiving duties, resulting in favorable PPR outputs. Facing the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, who allow the most points per game to running backs this season, Johnson, with eight or more touches, could deliver a solid performance in this favorable matchup.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson saw a season-low in usage during Week 14 with just one touch, but he emerged as the leader in the healthy Bears' backfield in Week 15. The rookie rushed five times for 36 yards and caught four of six targets for 24 yards in the team's 20-17 loss to the Browns. It was a challenging day overall for the Bears' offense, held to just 236 yards in Cleveland against the stingy Browns' defense. The Bears ran the ball 27 times, and Johnson led the running back room in touches and had only one less attempt than D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert. The 22-year-old proved to be the most effective Bears running back in Week 15, with Foreman finishing with negative six yards and Herbert totaling 12 yards. In Week 16, the Bears face the Cardinals, who allow the second-most points per game to running backs this season. Following a disappointing performance from the veterans, Johnson could continue to lead the backfield in touches moving forward.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson saw just one touch in Week 14 for six yards, marking the fewest opportunities he's had in a game this season. The rookie running back appeared to earn a larger role in the absence of D'Onta Foreman in Week 12, accumulating 15 touches for 75 total yards. However, with Foreman's return, Johnson's role diminished, playing just 28% of the snaps. While he may retain value as a pass catcher, Foreman is the preferred rusher, and Johnson is unlikely to see many touches in the red zone. Without significant receiving volume or explosive plays, Johnson faces challenges in fantasy production. The Bears face the Browns in Week 15, who allow the 19th-most points per game to running backs. Until Johnson experiences a consistent uptick in usage, he doesn't warrant a spot in fantasy lineups.
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a minimal impact in Week 14, carrying the ball only once for six yards in the team's 28-13 victory over the Lions. The return of D'Onta Foreman diminished the rookie's role, despite Johnson averaging 10 touches per game over the previous three weeks. Before the bye week, he managed 15 touches for 75 yards without Foreman. However, in Week 14, Johnson found himself behind both Foreman and Khalil Herbert. The concerning aspect lies in how the Bears distributed carries to other backs in crucial moments of the game. While rookies often see increased opportunities post-bye week, the crowded running back room in Chicago may limit Johnson's involvement throughout the season. Facing the Browns in Week 15, a team allowing the 19th-most points per game to running backs this year, Johnson remains a stash for now until he secures a more consistent role.
