- Roschon Johnson
- #23
- Team CHI
- Pos RB
- Status AActive
-
Pre-Season Outlook
Johnson has good hands and blocks well by running back standards, so that passing-down insurance he provides should keep Johnson active on gamedays in 2024. The question of whether he does much more than that is less clear. D'Andre Swift is much more talented with the football, and the Bears could use Swift to draw more targets than either of Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman did in 2023. If Johnson loses any of the target share to Swift then there just won't be much of a from-scrimmage role left at that point.
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Light usage in season finale
Johnson rushed five times for 20 yards in the Bears' 17-9 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
Analysis: As a rookie this season, Johnson never had more than 10 rushes in a game. However, he was often used as a passing-down back, though he had only two games with more than four receptions. In 15 games played, Johnson rushed 81 times for 352 yards and two touchdowns to go with 34 receptions on 40 targets for 209 receiving yards. During the offseason, the Bears will need to decide if the running back is ready to take on an expanded role or if he'll remain as a passing-down specialist. Johnson has…read more
Published: Sun, Jan 7 at 4:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Clear No. 2 back in Week 18
Johnson is in line to serve as the Bears' unquestioned No. 2 back in Sunday's game against the Packers with D'Onta Foreman (coach's decision) declared inactive for the contest.
Analysis: Johnson will therefore have a chance to finish his rookie season with what should be a solid workload behind top back Khalil Herbert. The 2023 fourth-round pick enters the finale with 332 rushing yards and two touchdowns, figures he's complemented with a 34-209 line through the air on 40 targets. Johnson has logged between five and nine carries and three and six targets over the last three games, playing at least 30 snaps in each of those contests.
Published: Sun, Jan 7 at 12:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes end-zone visit Sunday
Johnson tallied seven carries for 21 yards and one touchdown and hauled in all three targets for 38 yards during Sunday's 37-17 win versus the Falcons.
Analysis: The Bears backfield again didn't have the services of D'Onta Foreman on Sunday, only this time he was a healthy scratch instead of out due to a personal issue like he was in Week 16. The absence allowed Khalil Herbert to pace Bears running backs with 20 touches for 129 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown, while Johnson got in the act, too, with a 10-59-1 line. This marked Johnson's third outing in a row with at least nine touches, a span in which he's had 31 touches for 172 total yards and…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 31 at 2:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Modest output with Foreman out
Johnson contributed 37 yards on nine carries and hauled in all three targets for 16 yards during Sunday's 27-16 victory over the Cardinals.
Analysis: The Bears were without D'Onta Foreman in Week 16 due to a personal matter, but Khalil Herbert was the running back who benefitted from the absence. Herbert paced the backfield with 21 touches for 121 yards from scrimmage and a TD, which towered over Johnson's modest 12, 53 and zero, respectively. Perhaps Chicago's coaching staff prefers the rookie fourth-round pick to stay in a change-of-pace role, no matter who among the trio is available, but Johnson wasn't the primary beneficiary this time…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 6:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Leads backfield in Week 15 loss
Johnson carried the ball five times for 36 yards and caught four of six targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Browns.
Analysis: Despite the modest volume, the rookie RB led the Bears' backfield in touches and scrimmage yards, as Khalil Herbert managed just 12 combined yards while D'Onta Foreman lost six yards on his six totes. Johnson could be Chicago's choice to head the committee the rest of the way as the team looks ahead to 2024, but the situation figures to be tough to predict from a fantasy perspective heading into a Week 16 clash with the Cardinals.
Published: Sun, Dec 17 at 3:59pm by Rotowire.com
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One touch in victory
Johnson had one carry for six yards in the Bears' 28-13 win over the Lions on Sunday.
Analysis: Before the Bears' Week 13 bye, Johnson led the Bears backfield with 74 percent of the snaps and 15 touches against Minnesota. It appears that his usage was game-plan specific against a Vikings defense that blitzed at a league-high rate. With D'Onta Foreman back from injury, Johnson saw his only touch in the latter stages of the game, when the outcome was determined. Based on his usage against Detroit, Johnson is looking like a risky fantasy option.
Published: Sun, Dec 10 at 5:27pm by Rotowire.com
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Outpaces Herbert in Week 12 win
Johnson rushed 10 times for 35 yards and brought in all five targets for 40 yards in the Bears' 12-10 win over the Vikings on Monday. He also committed a fumble, which was recovered by the Bears.
Analysis: The rookie notably logged four more carries than Khalil Herbert, despite entering the game No. 2 on the depth chart. Johnson also outpaced his teammate through the air, checking in third in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night for Chicago. Both Johnson's rush attempts and receiving yards were new career highs, and it will be interesting to see how the division of labor in the Bears' ground attack breaks down Week 14 against the Lions following the Week 13 bye, considering D'Onta…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 27 at 9:05pm by Rotowire.com
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To work behind Herbert in Week 12
Johnson is slated to be the Bears' top complementary running back to Khalil Herbert on Monday in Minnesota after the team ruled out D'Onta Foreman (ankle/shin) for the contest Sunday, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Johnson has routinely acted as the No. 2 RB in Chicago's offense behind Herbert or Foreman, depending on who is healthy and available among the two. The result has been seven touches for 32 yards from scrimmage per game and one rushing TD in nine games this season. Expect a similar workload for Johnson on Monday in a secondary role behind Herbert.
Published: Sun, Nov 26 at 1:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Six carries as Foreman exits early
Johnson rushed six times for 30 yards and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 31-26 loss to the Lions.
Analysis: Johnson had as many carries as D'Onta Foreman (ankle), who exited in the third quarter, but Khalil Herbert led the Bears with 16 rushing attempts after missing the previous five games due to a high-ankle sprain. Herbert had just 35 rushing yards, and between Herbert's inefficiency and the uncertainty over Foreman's availability, Johnson has a chance to see a larger workload in Week 12 against the Packers.
Published: Sun, Nov 19 at 5:07pm by Rotowire.com
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Targeted often in victory
Johnson rushed five times for 18 yards and caught four passes for 14 yards in the Bears' 16-13 win over the Panthers on Thursday.
Analysis: Johnson continues to struggle with his opportunities, as he has gained 43 yards on 13 rushes while also being held to 33 yards on eight receptions over his last three games. The Chicago backfield may become more crowded in Week 11, when the team likely activates Khalil Herbert (ankle) from injured reserve. If Johnson retains his pass-catching role, he could maintain the 1.85 receptions per game he's recorded since Week 2.
Published: Fri, Nov 10 at 4:22am by Rotowire.com
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Light workload in loss
Johnson rushed twice for six yards and caught a nine-yard pass in the Bears' 24-17 loss to the Saints on Sunday.
Analysis: Johnson saw the same amount of work as No. 3 running back Darrynton Evans, while D'Onta Foreman dominated the backfield with 20 rushing attempts. Other than the game when Johnson was injured in Week 5, this was the first time he had fewer than six touches in a game. He also hasn't had 50 scrimmage yards in a game since Week 1, making Johnson a low-upside fantasy option.
Published: Sun, Nov 5 at 5:50pm by Rotowire.com
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Splits backfield work Sunday
Johnson took six carries for 21 yards while catching three of four targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Chargers.
Analysis: Johnson was able to pass the league's concussion protocol in time to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers. The 22-year-old wound up splitting touches with D'Onta Foreman, with neither player standing out in the box score. Both backs could struggle to develop consistent value due to fluctuating usage from an indecisive coaching staff trying to salvage a season that is clearly heading the wrong direction, and that's before the eventual return of Khalil Herbert (ankle) gets factored…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 12:55am by Rotowire.com
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Out of concussion protocol
Johnson said Thursday that he cleared the concussion protocol and is ready to play in Sunday's road game against the Chargers, Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com reports.
Analysis: Players in the protocol for head injuries aren't permitted to speak to the media, so Johnson's comments more or less pave the way for him to put an end to a two-game absence. His upcoming role is in some question, though, after D'Onta Foreman reeled off 187 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns over the last two games with Khalil Herbert (ankle, IR) sidelined. In five games this season, Johnson is averaging 4.9 yards on his 25 carries, has hauled in 11 of 12 targets for 58 yards and scored…read more
Published: Thu, Oct 26 at 2:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Another full practice
Johnson (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.
Analysis: The uncapped session marks Johnson's second in a row, but it's unclear if he's passed through the final phase of the protocol for head injuries. On Wednesday, coach Matt Eberflus noted Johnson had "one more hurdle" to get past in order to see his first game action since sustaining a concussion Week 5 in Washington, per Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com. Having said that, the Bears may not indicate whether that has happened until they post their final practice report of Week 8 on Friday. If Johnson…read more
Published: Thu, Oct 26 at 12:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Full practice, still in protocol
Johnson (concussion) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
Analysis: Johnson's activity Wednesday marks his first practice participation of any sort since he suffered a concussion Oct. 5 at Washington. Head coach Matt Eberflus told Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com earlier Wednesday that Johnson has "one more hurdle" to pass before he'll clear the five-step concussion protocol, likely indicating that the running back needs to meet with an independent neurologist. Once that step is behind him, Johnson should be good to rejoin the Bears backfield, but considering…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 25 at 11:58am by Rotowire.com
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Returning to practice
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that Johnson (concussion) will return to practice Wednesday but remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com reports.
Analysis: Eberflus said Monday that Johnson has "one more hurdle" remaining before exiting the protocol and being deemed good to go for Sunday's game against the Chargers. Johnson's only remaining steps may be to return to full-contact practice and then gain clearance from an independent neurologist, however, and taking the field Wednesday represents noteworthy progress. D'Onta Foreman has looked impressive as the lead man in Chicago's backfield over the last two weeks, but Johnson should be able to…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 25 at 9:08am by Rotowire.com
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Could be back in action Week 8
Head coach Matt Eberflus said Monday that Johnson remains in concussion protocol, but the Bears are optimistic that the running back will play Week 8 against the Chargers, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Eberflus suggested that Johnson has one hurdle to clear before exiting the protocol, so the 22-year-old rookie may only need to return to a full-contact practice and receive the green light to play from an independent neurologist before being deemed good to go for this weekend. While both Johnson and Khalil Herbert (ankle) have been sidelined for the Bears' past two games, D'Onta Foreman has emerged as Chicago's lead runner, carrying 31 times for 154 yards and adding four catches for 33 yards…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 23 at 11:22am by Rotowire.com
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Not playing in Week 7
Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Raiders.
Analysis: Johnson has been in the concussion protocol for more than two weeks since being diagnosed with a head injury Thursday, Oct. 5 against the Commanders. He's yet to practice in the meantime, giving no indication of making progress through any of the five phases. With Johnson sidelined again and Khalil Herbert (ankle) on injured reserve, the Bears backfield will be composed of D'Onta Foreman, Travis Homer and Darrynton Evans in Week 7.
Published: Fri, Oct 20 at 12:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Misses practice again
Johnson (concussion) didn't practice Thursday.
Analysis: Johnson still hasn't practiced since suffering a concussion in Thursday night win over Washington in Week 5. Travis Homer, on the other hand, returned to full practice participation Thursday after missing last week's game with a hamstring injury. If Johnson can't play Sunday against the Raiders, it'll likely be D'Onta Foreman leading the rushing attack again while Homer and/or Darrynton Evans handle the obvious passing situations and perhaps some carries.
Published: Thu, Oct 19 at 12:07pm by Rotowire.com
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Not practicing yet
Johnson (concussion) isn't practicing Wednesday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Johnson hasn't practiced since suffering a concussion in a Thursday night win over Washington in Week 5. He missed the Week 6 loss to Minnesota in which D'Onta Foreman and Darrynton Evans handled the backfield work while Johnson, Khalil Herbert (ankle) and Travis Homer (hamstring) all sat out. Another missed practice suggests Johnson is in danger of missing a second game this Sunday against Las Vegas.
Published: Wed, Oct 18 at 12:06pm by Rotowire.com
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Won't play this week
Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: The Bears lost all three of their active RBs to injuries in last Thursday's 40-20 win over Washington, and all three will now be out for at least one week. With Khalil Herbert (high ankle) and Travis Homer (hamstring) sidelined, the Bears are down to D'Onta Foreman and Darrynton Evans as backfield options for an NFC West matchup this Sunday. None of the injured RBs practiced this week.
Published: Fri, Oct 13 at 12:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Spectator for Thursday's practice
Johnson (concussion) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.
Analysis: Johnson entered concussion protocol after he was removed from this past Thursday's 40-20 win over the Commanders and doesn't appear to have taken a notable step forward in his recovery from the injury just under a week later. With consecutive absences at practice to begin Week 6 prep, Johnson will likely need to mix into drills in some capacity Friday in addition to gaining clearance from an independent neurologist to have any chance at playing Sunday against the Vikings. Khalil Herbert (ankle)…read more
Published: Thu, Oct 12 at 12:16pm by Rotowire.com
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Not practicing yet
Johnson (concussion) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.
Analysis: Johnson is six days removed from suffering a concussion last Thursday in Washington, so his inability to practice yet in any fashion isn't a promising early sign for his chances of playing Sunday against the Vikings. All of Johnson, Khalil Herbert (ankle) and Travis Homer (hamstring) sat out practice Wednesday, leaving D'Onta Foreman, Darrynton Evans and Khari Blasingame as the Bears' current healthy backfield options.
Published: Wed, Oct 11 at 12:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Still in concussion protocol
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed Wednesday that Johnson remains in concussion protocol, Courtney Cronin of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Johnson left last Thursday's win over Washington due to the head injury. The Bears will release their first Week 6 practice report later Wednesday, and if Johnson is able to take part in the session as at least a limited participant, it would be a sign that he's made some progression through the five-step protocol. The rookie running back is hoping to be available for the Bears' Week 6 game against the Vikings on Sunday, when he could be primed to take on a larger role with lead runner Khalil…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 11 at 9:22am by Rotowire.com
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Ruled out from return
Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Thursday's game against the Commanders.
Analysis: Johnson exited the game in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. While there's been no official announcement about his diagnosis, Johnson will be out for the game after recording three rushes for 19 yards. He'll have nine days to recover prior to the Bears' Week 6 matchup against the Vikings.
Published: Thu, Oct 5 at 6:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Being evaluated for concussion
Johnson exited Thursday's game against the Commanders to be evaluated for a concussion.
Analysis: Johnson exited midway through the second quarter. Prior to his exit, he had three carries for 19 yards. It's unclear if he'll be able to return.
Published: Thu, Oct 5 at 6:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Serves as clear No.2 runner
Johnson rushed five times for 13 yards and caught one pass for two yards in the Bears' 31-28 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.
Analysis: Johnson is often used as the passing-game running back when the Bears trail, but since the team led until that latter stages of the game, he saw significantly less work than Khalil Herbert. Despite his light usage in this contest, Johnson should have a good chance of seeing closer to 10 touches in a significant number of games as Chicago is likely to be trailing frequently this season.
Published: Sun, Oct 1 at 6:03pm by Rotowire.com
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First back used in loss
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.
Analysis: 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.…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 24 at 7:11pm by Rotowire.com
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Works as Herbert's backup Sunday
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.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Sun, Sep 17 at 4:13pm by Rotowire.com
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Headed for No. 2 role
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.
Analysis: 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…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 17 at 7:04am by Rotowire.com
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Scores in NFL debut
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.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Sun, Sep 10 at 6:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Notches eight touches Saturday
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.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Sat, Aug 19 at 9:05pm by Rotowire.com
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Extensive playing time Saturday
Johnson ran for 44 yards on 12 carries in Chicago's preseason game against Tennessee on Saturday, adding three receptions for two yards on four targets.
Analysis: Johnson saw the vast majority of his playing time in the second half, at which point he split some of the workload with Travis Homer. The Bears primarily used starter Khalil Herbert and free agent pickup D'Onta Foreman in the first half. Johnson's poor returns as a pass catcher can probably be ignored -- the targets he saw were low-quality targets that most running backs couldn't do anything with, either -- so it's arguably encouraging that he saw four targets while Herbert (1) and Foreman…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 12 at 1:42pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns in short order
Johnson (undisclosed) returned to practice Friday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The undisclosed injury was first reported Tuesday and kept Johnson sidelined for only a few days. The rookie fourth-round pick will now continue his effort to earn a role in a backfield that also includes Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman and Travis Homer.
Published: Fri, Aug 4 at 8:45am by Rotowire.com
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Dealing with injury
Coach Matt Eberflus said Tuesday that Johnson is tending to an undisclosed injury, Adam Jahns of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Johnson sat out Tuesday's session and instead spent his time with the Bears' training staff. Any missed time in camp can be detrimental, especially for a rookie who isn't guaranteed a spot. Fellow RBs Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman have experience on their side, while Travis Homer likely is a superior pass catcher to the 2023 fourth-round pick.
Published: Tue, Aug 1 at 10:33am by Rotowire.com
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