The Chicago Bears running back room is set, but the usage is about to shift. D’Andre Swift remains the starter, yet the days of him carrying the full load are gone. Head coach Ben Johnson wants an old-school smash-mouth approach mixed with new wrinkles. This shift means the backup role will see significantly more snaps in 2026.
The Starter’s Evolution
D’Andre Swift proved he can handle the workload and mature as a runner. He took what the defense gave him and lowered his shoulder when needed. His average yards per carry jumped by over a yard after the team revamped the offensive line. Swift turns 27 this year but still plays with the quickness and speed teams need. He is the clear leader, but the scheme demands more from the group.
According to Windy City Gridiron, Johnson is ready to add new wrinkles to his run game. The coach hired Eric Studesville to run the position. While serving four years under Mike McDaniel in Miami, Studesville witnessed a run game ranked among the NFL’s most innovative. This hire signals a move away from a single-back focus toward a more dynamic attack.
The Second-String Opportunity
Kyle Monangai is the man to watch for increased volume. Last year, he provided a nice complement to Swift, yet his impact is expected to grow. Monangai confessed that his sole aim was earning trust from the organization and teammates. Now that he has done that, the trust is earned. I expect his snap counts to be much closer to a 50-50 split with Swift.
Monangai told the team site he has a lot of things he can improve on. He focused on making sure the team felt they made the right decision bringing him here. That work is paying off. The split will be key to keeping the offense fresh and unpredictable against tired defenses.
The Battle for the Final Spot
Behind Swift and Monangai, the field is wide open. Roschon Johnson will try to become the top special teams back, but injuries have plagued him. He has been hit hard in each of his first three seasons. Although Brittain Brown spent most of last year on the practice squad, he left a strong impression in his only game. He had more rushing yards than Homer and Johnson combined for the entire year. Salvon Ahmed brings experience from Miami with Studesville, but his recent time was on practice squads. Rookie UDFA Coleman Bennett is physical, yet his size might be a hurdle in the NFL.
The Bears have the talent to run the ball effectively, but the depth is thin. Johnson’s quote about Studesville sums it up perfectly. He said, “He’s got a wealth of experience from a number of different places.” Johnson added that he can’t wait to dive into the cutups from Miami. They did some unique things, particularly in the run game, over the last few years.
Will Monangai steal enough work to make the Bears a true rushing threat? Or will injuries to Johnson and Brown force Swift back into a heavy workload? The 2026 season hinges on this depth chart staying healthy. Fans should expect a committee approach that keeps defenses guessing all year long.
