Chicago Bears running back gaining trust amid Kyle Monangai injury

The Chicago Bears have felt the absence of Kyle Monangai over their last two games. Still, the franchise has embraced their next man up mentality.

In a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, third-string running back Roschon Johnson led the way with 13 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. While he did lose an untimely fumble, Johnson was able to move the chains when called upon.

When Monangai will return is still not known. While it was technically a walkthrough, he was listed as out on Chicago’s first Week 7 injury report. With the Bears playing on Thursday, there may not be enough time to heal from his turf toe injury.

In that case, Johnson would again be tasked with a larger role in the run game. Based on his work thus far, the coaching staff seems confident in that situation.

Roschon Johnson catching Chicago Bears’ eye 

Johnson earned himself extra praise from the coaching staff for his role in a crucial hook-and-ladder play against the Falcons. Usually, the running back doesn’t find himself involved on that play in practice. That fact he executed it perfectly certainly caught offensive coordinator Press Taylor’s attention, via Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic.

“That was probably the best we’ve executed it, but it was a great situation just in terms of the down and distance, the route and timing by Caleb and Rome and then Roschon being there,” Taylor said. “Because, really, more often than not, we’ve worked that with Swift. But I can think of, off the top of my head, a couple reps where Roschon had been in there recently.”

Bears getting creative with the hook-and-ladder on third down!

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On the year, Johnson has run for 73 yards and a touchdown, adding eight receptions for 75 yards. He wasn’t a part of the offense prior to Monangai’s injury. And he’ll have to improve his 3.3 yards per carry to earn any long-term role.

But for the time being, Johnson is in the coaching staff’s good graces. Taylor wouldn’t be shy to call the running back’s name again in Week 7.

“Great job by him knowing exactly what to do,” Taylor said. “That’s kind of the value he brings. We trust him a lot to be able to execute. He did a great job there. It was a great call at the right time and the right space on the field to be able to get that done.”

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