The Chicago Bears have made a move to bolster their running back depth following an injury to Roschon Johnson in their Week 13 loss to the Detroit Lions. Johnson, who left the game with a concussion in the first half, has now cast doubt on his availability for the Bears’ upcoming Week 14 road game against the San Francisco 49ers. To address this uncertainty, the team re-signed running back Demetric Felton to their practice squad on December 3.
Felton, a 2021 sixth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, spent a brief period with the Bears during training camp this past summer. Over the course of two preseason games, he registered four carries for 13 yards and two receptions for 10 yards. While his time with the Bears was short-lived, Felton’s presence in the backfield could prove valuable in case Johnson is sidelined for an extended period.
The 24-year-old has played in 24 NFL games, contributing 209 scrimmage yards, including two receiving touchdowns. As of now, the Bears only have two other running backs on their 53-man roster—starter D’Andre Swift and Travis Homer—meaning Felton could be called up if the team needs additional depth in the backfield. With just a few days to prepare for their matchup against the 49ers, the Bears’ move to add Felton suggests they are preparing for all possibilities regarding Johnson’s status.
In a corresponding roster move, the Bears also released offensive lineman Austen Pleasants from their practice squad. Pleasants had been with the team for roughly a month but did not make enough of an impact to secure a longer-term spot on the roster.
As of now, the Bears are 4-8 and face a crucial Week 14 game against the 5-7 San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Bears’ offense, and their backfield in particular, will be key areas of focus in this contest, especially if Johnson’s concussion keeps him out of action.
Roschon Johnson’s Status for Week 14 Uncertain
The status of Roschon Johnson remains one of the biggest question marks for the Bears heading into their Sunday showdown with the 49ers. Johnson exited the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions after suffering a concussion in the first half. While details on his recovery have been sparse, Johnson will need to clear multiple stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol before he can return to the field. Given that this is his second concussion in just over a year (he also suffered one in Week 5 of his rookie season), the Bears will be cautious in his return, particularly with the added risk of head injuries.
The Bears will likely provide some clarity on Johnson’s status after their first practice on December 4, when they release the initial injury report for the 49ers game. However, it is expected that the report will not provide any major revelations, leaving his availability for Sunday’s game still in question.
Adapting Without Roschon Johnson: All Eyes on Thomas Brown
If Johnson is unable to go, the Bears will need to adjust their game plan, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations where Johnson has excelled. Through the first 12 games of the season, Johnson has carved out a niche as the Bears’ preferred goal-line back, scoring six touchdowns on just 48 carries. Without him, the Bears may look to D’Andre Swift or Travis Homer to step up, or even give Felton an opportunity to shine in a larger role.
On top of the running back issues, the Bears are also in the midst of a coaching shake-up. Following their disappointing loss to the Lions, the team parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus and promoted Thomas Brown from offensive coordinator to interim head coach. Brown, who had previously shown promise as the team’s offensive play-caller, will now assume the added responsibility of managing the entire team. This includes calling plays from the field rather than from the booth, as he did in his previous role.
Brown has already demonstrated his ability to improve the offense, as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has played better under his guidance. However, the added duties of being head coach could prove to be a challenge. If Brown can manage both roles effectively, he may cement his place as a viable head coaching candidate for 2025. But if the transition proves too difficult, it could create more issues for a team already struggling with inconsistency.
Either way, all eyes will be on Thomas Brown in Santa Clara, as the Bears look to adapt to their injuries and coaching changes while facing a crucial test against a talented 49ers squad.
As the Bears prepare for this pivotal matchup, the uncertainty around Johnson’s health, the need to adapt in his absence, and the potential for a coaching debut under pressure make this game one to watch closely. Will the Bears find a way to overcome their challenges, or will their struggles continue in a season that has been full of ups and downs? Sunday’s game will provide some answers.
