LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Veteran running back D’Onta Foreman takes pride in the way he has stayed ready for any situation throughout his career, but it remains unclear what role, if any, he'll find with the Bears.
Foreman is listed as the second running back on the Bears’ unofficial depth chart, but in reality it seems that rookie Roschon Johnson has taken over that position behind lead back Khalil Herbert. Throughout training camp, the Bears have often expressed their desire to use a backfield committee with Herbert, Johnson and Foreman.
With roster cuts due Tuesday, Foreman is a player who could be on the bubble as the Bears make key decisions.
“There’s a lot of competition going on there, and we’re excited about where that goes,” coach Matt Eberflus said.
Foreman carried 203 times for a career-best 914 yards and five touchdowns with the Panthers in 2022, when he took over as Carolina's lead running back following a trade that sent superstar Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco.
Foreman was a driving force in Carolina finishing 6-5 after a 1-5 start. Foreman rushed for more than 100 yards in five of the final six games.
"I feel like no matter whatever role I’m in, I’m going to excel at it,” Foreman said.
The Bears signed the 27-year-old Foreman to a one-year deal in March after losing four-year starter David Montgomery to the rival Lions in free agency. He was added as veteran depth and to be a potential complement to Herbert. A month later, the Bears selected Johnson in the fourth round of the draft, and Johnson has impressed in training camp and preseason action.
“The physicality, the burst, I feel like he has a combination of everything,” Herbert said of Johnson.
“Once he gets a full head of steam and comes down running the ball at you, he’s going to make you pay for trying to tackle him.”
Herbert, 25, has rushed 232 times for 1,164 yards and six scores over 30 games in his first two NFL seasons. He has averaged 5.0 yards per carry with those opportunities, including 5.7 yards per carry last season. Herbert is expected to open the season as the Bears’ top running back.
Johnson's emergence and reserve running back Travis Homer's value on special teams have created uncertainty regarding Foreman’s place with the Bears. Chicago kept three running backs on its initial 53-man roster in 2022.
After a breakthrough season, Foreman is hoping to prove that there’s more in store for him.
“I just don't think they've have seen enough of what really I can do,” Foreman said.
Injury report
Bears tight end Cole Kmet returned to practice as a full participant Thursday, one day after leaving on a cart. Kmet is “normal” and in good health, Eberflus said.
In other good news, the Bears also anticipate that injured players like receiver Chase Claypool, safety Eddie Jackson, safety Jaquan Brisker will be ready for the team’s season opener against the Packers on Sept. 10 at Soldier Field.
Throughout training camp, Eberflus has stood by his policy of declining to share specifics about short-term injuries. He has only shared that left guard Teven Jenkins is “week-to-week" with his leg injury. Jenkins isn't expected to be ready for the first game of the season.
The Bears host the Bills on Saturday at Soldier Field in their preseason finale.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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