Training Camp Preview: Breaking Down the Chicago Bears Running Backs

The Chicago Bears possessed one of the most effective running back tandems in the NFL by the end of the 2025 season. D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai provided Chicago with a great balance of power and speed. However, fans also saw what the running game looked like when one was out with an injury. That is why it will be imperative for the Bears to exit training camp with a reliable and well-rounded running back room behind their top two options.

Who Will Leave Training Camp as the Bears' RB3?

1. Roschon Johnson

The Bears' top option at RB3 is Roschon Johnson. When Chicago drafted the former Texas Longhorn in 2023, fans were excited for what he could become. Unfortunately, he has yet to live up to the potential fans thought he might have.

In three seasons, Johnson has rushed for 519 yards on 138 carries and scored eight touchdowns. With his powerback skillset, many believed he could become the Bears' downhill thumper, like Monangai. That has yet to come to pass, and instead, his biggest contributions have been on special teams.

Johnson's role as a special teamer has been what's preserving his roster spot. Nevertheless, if one of the Bears' other running backs can prove to be a more consistent back and provide help on special teams, his time in Chicago may be done before the 2026 season.

2. Coleman Bennett

Following the 2026 NFL Draft, Chicago brought in Coleman Bennett as an undrafted free agent. While being an undrafted free agent does make the road more difficult to crack the 53-man roster, running back is one of the more realistic positions to earn a spot. And there's no better shot for this than in Chicago in a Ben Johnson-led offense.

In 2025, Bennett played for Kennesaw State, rushing for 764 yards on 157 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and scoring 4 touchdowns. At 6'0, 210 pounds, the 23-year-old's build and power rushing stood out to Chicago. Bennett broke 40 tackles on the ground and 13 tackles as a receiver in 2025. 53 broken tackles led every running back in the 2026 NFL Draft.

That type of toughness and effort aligns well with what Ben Johnson looks for offensively. Although Bennett may not possess D'Andre Swift’s top-end explosiveness, he still offers enough burst and elusiveness to contribute out of the backfield. If he can also carve out a role on special teams during the preseason, he could put himself in a strong position to earn a roster spot

3. Brittain Brown

Brittain Brown was a member of the Bears' practice squad and roster in 2025. The 28-year-old recorded five rush attempts for 37 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. Brown saw the field due to Swift's injury and proved he can be an effective back.

Last preseason, Brown also proved he could be productive. In the Bears' second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, he rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries and scored one touchdown. Sadly, the next week, he wasn't as productive, rushing for 27 yards on 13 carries against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Although Brown may currently be viewed as a long shot due to his age and limited opportunities, a productive preseason could still make him a serious contender for the Bears' final running back spot