The Chicago Bears risked losing running back Brittain Brown for nothing last week when he was placed on waivers. By the good graces of the football gods, the Bears were able to retain him on their practice squad without another team claiming him. Per The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, "linebacker Dominique Hampton was released to make room" for Brown.
Brown has truthfully been a one-game wonder, but my oh my, what a game it was. During the Bears' 47-42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he was able to rush for a crucial first down and a 22-yard touchdown that put Chicago up 30-24. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy had nothing but praise for Brown after the game, lauding his hard work in practice.
"He stepped in, jumped in, and I mean, he makes a big-time run," Bieniemy said on Nov. 9. "But I'm not shocked or surprised because that's who that kid is. He does not take anything for granted. And he works his butt off every single day... That's not the end of Brittain Brown. This is just the beginning. He hasn't even really touched the surface of what he really can do."
Bienemy's praise was a big reason why Bears fans were shocked to learn Brown's future in the Windy City was in jeopardy. Good thing that wasn't the end of the talented running back, though. If it were, general manager Ryan Poles & Co. would've had some serious explaining to do amid what's been a nearly storybook season in the Windy City for the first time in years.
Brittain Brown Gives Bears Options
The Bears' run game has been the talk of the NFL after amassing 281 rushing yards against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles last week. D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have been the stars of the show, but that doesn't mean Brown can't get involved if the coaching staff wants to keep the backfield's legs as fresh as possible for the playoffs.
And, who knows? Perhaps Brown will get an elevation soon that allows him to enter the red-hot RB room, giving him a chance to show Chicago what he can truly do.
If we're looking further into the future, Swift likely won't be in a Bears uniform by the 2027 season. His expiring contract may even be a trade chip in the offseason if head coach Ben Johnson wanted to tear the band-aid off and Poles could find value on the open market.
Monangai has been under team control for several years after that, so current play being on-par with Swift, it's only a matter of time before the former Rutgers Scarlet Knight is coronated Chicago's RB1. After him, there is a void that's not being filled by Roschon Johnson or Travis Homer. Brown isn't exactly a youngster (he turned 28 in October), but his veteran leadership could be exactly what his coaches are looking for in the team's RB3/4 role.
Brown could, and should, be the guy who gets an extended look to move up in the Bears' pecking order, especially for as long as the backfield is on fire. Getting him off the practice squad and into potential big-game situations again is the best way to prove that theory correct.