Injuries are a regular part of training camp. They happen. When players get together and hit each other for the first time in months, it may take the body time to adjust. The Chicago Bears are experienced this as several players have spent time on the sideline nursing various ailments. One of them was rookie running back Roschon Johnson. He had to step out early in training camp with an undisclosed problem. Not until Friday, August 4th, was he able to finally get back on the field. There wasn’t much he could do since the team wasn’t in pads.
However, that changed on Saturday. Fully aware of how things had transpired the past few days, with the defense lording it over the offense with their greater intensity, Johnson decided to send a message. During a running drill in practice, he took a hand-off. He got a crease from the offensive line, giving him a chance to show what made him worthy of a 4th round pick. Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago had the details
Rookie running back Roschon Johnson electrified the “back to school” crowd Saturday when he ran over safety A.J. Thomas. There has been a lot of talk about Johnson’s physicality since he arrived.
The Bears need more of that from Roschon Johnson.
One of the criticisms in training camp was how the offense seemed to come out flat at certain times. The defense always seemed to bring more effort and energy. Their physicality was obvious. That appears to have changed in the past few days. Chase Claypool got into a fight with Eddie Jackson during Saturday’s practice. Johnson added to things with his truck stick of Thomas. It was a message that the offense wasn’t afraid to dole out some punishment of its own. One can also say it’s a good reminder the rookie isn’t ready to hand the starting job to Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman just yet.
He has plenty of ground to make up. His primary advantage is his supposed versatility as a pass-catcher and pass-protector. The latter has been on display since he returned. There is no question he excels at picking up blitzers. If he is going to make up time in the battle for the running back job, it will likely come in the preseason. The Bears play the Tennessee Titans in the opener next week. Roschon Johnson figures to get plenty of action as starters will only get a series or two at most. That should grant him a big opportunity..
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