WESTFIELD, Ind. (670 The Score) — Bears rookie running back Roschon Johnson knows well to not expect anything to be handed to him.
It’s why Johnson appreciates each time he breaks the huddle with the Bears’ starting offense and gets the opportunity to showcase his skill set carrying the football.
"It means a lot,” Johnson said Wednesday night. “But at the end of the day, regardless of what string I'm taking my reps with, I try to take it the same way. It's a blessing, but also I got to take care of business."
Johnson’s perspective was shaped by his time at the University of Texas, where he served as the primary backup behind star running back Bijan Robinson.
The Falcons took Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft in April, making him the highest running back selected in five years. Meanwhile, Johnson went to the Bears in the fourth round.
The Bears have been open about their plan use a committee in a backfield that features Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman and Johnson. But the running back who's perhaps most likely to run with his opportunity is Johnson, who has earned his time with the top offense.
Johnson carried 12 times for 44 yards in the Bears' preseason opener at Soldier Field last Saturday. That included a 24-yard rush in the third quarter in which he pushed through multiple Titans defenders.
“He’s a downhill guy that we’re excited about,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “He’s got good vision. And since he’s gotten in there, we really love the style. We’re just going to keep letting that thing compete out where it belongs, and we’ll see where it goes.”
Johnson has a different style than Herbert and Foreman. At 225 pounds, he’s a powerful rusher and has already asserted himself well as a blocker.
Bears tight end Cole Kmet has taken note of what Johnson brings each day.
“I was watching his pass pro stuff, and he’ll put his helmet in there,” Kmet said. “That’s cool to see. You definitely gain some respect for those rookies that put their facemask in there and are willing to hit some guys.
“He’s going against D-ends and linebackers who are hitting pretty hard. That’s been cool to see.”
Johnson's biggest challenge in training camp has been showcasing his physical style of play while the Bears have simultaneously instructed players to look after each other on the field. It means he can't run through a would-be tackler in practice like he plans to in game action.
But with the Bears holding joint practices with the Colts on Wednesday and Thursday just north of Indianapolis, Johnson isn’t holding back when he gets the football. He's eager to put his style of play on display with every opportunity he gets.
“I’m a guy who likes to use his body as a weapon and kind of play off of that,” Johnson said. “That’s definitely a tool in my toolbox that I try to use every day.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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