LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears rookie running back Roschon Johnson is taking a key step toward returning from his concussion.
Johnson will rejoin the Bears in practice Wednesday. He still must be cleared for a full return from the concussion protocol, which he entered after taking a hit during Chicago's win at Washington on Oct. 5.
“It’s just one more hurdle,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said.
The rookie Johnson has missed the last two games while recovering from the concussion. A fourth-round pick of the Bears in the NFL Draft, Johnson has rushed 25 times for 122 yards and a touchdown in five games.
Even if Johnson is cleared to return this Sunday, the Bears could continue to rely on veteran D’Onta Foreman as their lead back. Foreman rushed 16 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns while adding a receiving score during the Bears’ 30-12 win over the Raiders this past Sunday.
The seven-year veteran Foreman has rushed 36 times for 170 yards and two scores this season. He had a career-high 914 rushing yards with the Panthers in 2022.
“This wasn’t anything different than what I’ve been through,” Foreman said Sunday. “I just want to continue to build on it and show people what they said I couldn’t do or what I wouldn’t be or whatever the case may be, I want to prove them all wrong. I think I’m in the process of doing that right now.”
The Bears are planning to start rookie Tyson Bagent at quarterback at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium. Starter Justin Fields (right thumb) is considered “doubtful” to play, though he's continuing to progress, Eberflus said.
In other roster news Wednesday, the Bears designated offensive tackle Braxton Jones (neck) and pass rusher Khalid Kareem (undisclosed) for a return from injured reserve. Both players have a 21-day window in which they can be officially activated.
The Bears (2-5) and Chargers (2-4) kick off at 7:20 p.m. CT on Sunday.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.