The Chicago Bears are navigating a turbulent season, currently stuck in a seven-game losing streak. Their challenge to snap that streak in Week 15 grows even steeper as they prepare to face the 11-2 Minnesota Vikings. Adding to their woes, the Bears received troubling updates about their top two running backs, D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.
Swift has been battling a lingering groin injury for weeks, while Johnson suffered a concussion during the Bears’ Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 13. While Swift managed a limited practice on Friday, Johnson did not practice at all and was ruled out for the second consecutive game on Saturday.
“Bears RB Roschon Johnson is out for Monday night’s game vs. the Vikings; D’Andre Swift is listed as questionable,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X, formerly Twitter.
Bears RB Roschon Johnson is out for Monday night’s game vs. the Vikings; D’Andre Swift is listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/VltzAB0mT5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 14, 2024
Swift’s availability will be a game-time decision for the second week in a row. With Johnson already ruled out, the Bears risk being without their top two running backs against one of the league’s strongest defenses—a daunting prospect for an offense that has struggled mightily.
If Swift is unable to play, third-string running back Travis Homer would be thrust into the starting role—a scenario the Bears would prefer to avoid. Homer’s lack of experience in a starting capacity only underscores the Bears’ precarious position heading into Monday Night Football.
The silver lining for Chicago is the extra day of preparation provided by the primetime schedule. However, the pressure remains high, as the Bears could find themselves in significant trouble if Swift joins Johnson on the sidelines. The matchup against the Vikings could prove to be yet another challenging chapter in an already difficult season for Chicago.
