With the Chicago Bears‘ regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings fast approaching, the team is urgently testing several running backs amid swirling Brian Robinson Bears trade rumors. Head coach Ben Johnson has been actively scouting options to strengthen the backfield, signaling concern over the current roster’s readiness.
This week, the Bears conducted tryouts for Royce Freemana, Kylin James, and Dillon Johnson as they explore additions to complement their existing running backs. The spotlight remains on potential trade negotiations involving Washington Commanders‘ running back Brian Robinson, viewed as a key target.
Current Running Back Situation and Coaching Strategy
If the season started today with a healthy lineup, De’Andre Swift would be the primary back, supported by Roschon Johnson for short-yardage situations. Rookie Kyle Monangai has shown flashes of promise during training camp, and Ian Wheeler impressed by scoring twice in last weekend’s dominant win over the Buffalo Bills. Despite this, Ben Johnson’s efforts indicate that the team’s backfield setup is not yet satisfactory.
Johnson’s previous experience with the Detroit Lions reflected a preference for a dual-carry system, sharing workload between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. He aims to replicate such a balanced approach in Chicago, moving away from the once-common heavy workloads exemplified by Walter Payton’s era. The Bears’ recent seasons have rarely featured running backs with over 300 carries, with only Swift nearing that mark in 2024.
Potential Moves and Player Profiles Under Consideration
Should the Brian Robinson trade fail to materialize, Royce Freeman appears to be the frontrunner to join the Bears. Freeman entered the NFL as a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, accumulating over 500 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his rookie year. Since then, he has played for teams including the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, and Dallas Cowboys, seeking a stable opportunity to showcase his abilities again.
Implications for the Bears’ Running Back Depth
The Bears’ drive to enhance their running back lineup before the season opener demonstrates an urgency to establish a reliable and dynamic ground game. Adding a back like Brian Robinson or Freeman could provide the balanced rotation head coach Ben Johnson desires, potentially improving offensive versatility. The decisions made in the coming days will likely shape Chicago’s offensive identity and impact their competitiveness early in the season.