CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Bears veteran running back D’Onta Foreman’s career journey is similar to his playing style. He has remained patient, then runs with purpose.
“When you get your opportunities, go be dominant,” Foreman said. “I think I've been doing that my whole life.”
The 27-year-old Foreman wasn’t part of the Bears’ plans in their backfield early in the season, but a string of recent injuries changed that. On Sunday, Foremean rushed 16 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns – then added a third score on a reception – and proved to be a key part of the Bears’ 30-12 win against the Raiders at Soldier Field.
Foreman’s patience and physicality have earned the respect of his Bears teammates and coaches.
“Speaks a lot for his character,” said receiver DJ Moore, who was Foreman’s teammate on the Panthers last season.
Rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent, who worked alongside Foreman on the Bears’ reserve offense in training camp, took pride in seeing his teammate enjoy a breakthrough performance Sunday.
“I thought D’Onta played out of his mind today,” Bagent said. “I thought he played extremely well.
“It was only a matter of time before he was able to break out and have a good day like today.”
Last year, Foreman stepped in as the Panthers’ lead back after Carolina traded star running back Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco in October. Foreman rushed for 914 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. Despite having a depleted roster, Carolina went 6-5 with Foreman as the focal point of its offense after the McCaffrey trade.
Foreman signed a one-year deal with the Bears in March and initially seemed in line to have a key role. But he struggled with injuries in training camp, and rookie Roschon Johnson ascended alongside incumbent starter Khalil Herbert. Foreman carried five times for 16 yards in the Bears’ season opener and then was a healthy scratch with an inactive designation in the next four games.
Herbert and Johnson each suffered injuries during the Bears’ win against the Commanders on Oct. 5, leaving Foreman as the next option at running back. He has rushed for 154 yards and averaged just shy of 5.0 yards per carry across the past two games.
“We believed in him,” cornerback Jaylon Johnson said. “We felt he should’ve been getting the ball from the jump.
“There was no doubt for us.”
Herbert must remain on injured reserve for at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain. Johnson hasn’t yet been cleared from the concussion protocol. Whenever they do return, the Bears will have choices to make, as Foreman has showcased once again what he can bring after waiting for his opportunity.
“This wasn’t anything different than what I’ve been through,” Foreman said. “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.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.