With the Chicago Bears first preseason game finally in the books, fans and pundits alike finally have an update on many position battles that are happening live during Bears Training Camp. Like almost all other teams, the Bears didn't play almost any of their starters, with this first matchup set as a battle ground for those wishing to make their respective 53-man rosters. Fourth year running back Roschon Johnson took the lead in the running back room for the day, but Salvon Ahmed showed a versatility that will give Johnson a run for his money when it comes to the third running back slot.
The Bears already have their running back room in place
The Bears are firmly set with their starting running backs. D'Andre Swift is coming off of the most productive season of his career, and given that he's on a contract year, Swift is sure to want to make the most of potentially his last season in Chicago. Though it may seem like a lock that the Bears will extend Swift, that may not be the case. Running backs often get treated differently in the NFL, and unfortunately for the players, they're treated as though they're a dime-a-dozen.
Then there's Kyle Monangai, a second year back out of Rutgers. The Bears picked him up in the 7th round of the 2025 Draft, and Monangai quickly took the Bears by storm. Almost instantly did Monangai rise through the ranks of the depth chart before firmly settling into the second half of a one-two punch setup. Coach Johnson and the Bears found quick success with this format, so they're sure to keep things going however they can.
Roschon Johnson and Salvon Ahmed are fighting for the final spot
Roschon Johnson has been with the Bears since 2023. A fourth rounder out of Texas, Johnson enters the final year of his rookie contract with the Bears. Through three seasons, Johnson has amassed 138 carries for 519 yards across 36 different games. He played in 15 games in 2023, then dropped back to 14, and then in 2025 with the advent of Monangai, Johnson only participated in 7 contests. As of now, it looks like the Bears are unlikely to extend Johnson in any capacity, so the young back should do everything he can to make the most of his final season in Chicago.
Salvon Ahmed is in a similar position to Johnson, though in much different circumstances. Like Johnson, Ahmed isn't entering his rookie campaign. But very much unlike Roschon Johnson, Ahmed has experienced the vastness of the open market. Ahmed has spent time with the 49ers, Dolphins, Broncos, Colts, and now Bears. The bulk of his experience comes from Miami, the only franchise that has granted him any NFL playing time. Most of his time spent in those other organizations was in a practice squad capacity.
Neither of these players are new here, they both are well aware of what they signed up for. Many players have revived their careers before, and preseason is the perfect time to showcase your skills. The NFL can be a brutal place, and injuries happen every single day. That's why it's so important for the Bears to have Johnson and Ahmed on standby. If anything were to happen to Swift or Monangai, they'll immediately be turning in the direction of the reserves. It's why they're there.
The Bears preseason has only just begun, but it's wonderful to be back. The third string running back battle may not be on the top of the list of importance for Ben Johnson and the Bears, but it's important all the same. If everything goes according to plan, the Bears shouldn't have to call upon their reserves, but the fans can rest easy knowing that there's two players ready to take the backfield when called upon.
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