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2026 NFL backfield

Chicago Bears running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

D'Andre Swift

Preferred handcuff

Kyle Monangai

Monangai is listed directly behind Swift.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View D'Andre Swift’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Chicago’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists D’Andre Swift first, Kyle Monangai second and Roschon Johnson third. That makes Monangai the best-supported next man up.

Chicago’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists D’Andre Swift first, Kyle Monangai second and Roschon Johnson third. That makes Monangai the best-supported next man up.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Chicago Bears, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Chicago Bears full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
D'Andre SwiftPublished starter		Three-down back2020 · Round 2 · Pick 35active
RB2
Kyle MonangaiPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2025 · Round 7 · Pick 233active
RB3
Roschon Johnson		Short-yardage specialist2023 · Round 4 · Pick 115active
RB4
Brittain Brown		Role under review2022 · Round 7 · Pick 250injured reserve
Unlisted
Salvon Ahmed		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Zavier Scott		Role under review2023 · Undraftedpractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

D'Andre Swift

Age 27 · 7 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Coming off the most efficient season of his career and the NFL's most-improved back by several measures. Genuine three-down player — runs, catches and protects — and Chicago has no reason to move off the arrangement that worked in 2025.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2020 · Round 2 · Pick 35

Drafted by DET; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 16 recorded games include 223 carries and 34 receptions on 48 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Kyle Monangai

Age 24 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Tough, compact second-year back who won the RB2 job outright and is the clear next man up in Chicago. Would carry a real early-down and short-yardage load if Swift missed time, with the knee the only near-term question.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind D'Andre Swift. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: D'Andre Swift. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 7 · Pick 233

Drafted by CHI; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 169 carries and 18 receptions on 30 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Short-yardage specialist

Roschon Johnson

Age 25 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Short-yardage and goal-line specialist and a reliable pass protector, which keeps him on the roster. Limited as a between-the-tackles volume runner; Chicago would turn to Monangai, not Johnson, for the lead role.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind D'Andre Swift. The dated board currently prefers Kyle Monangai for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

Short-yardage work can carry touchdown value without a large snap share. A specialist could remain in that package while a teammate inherits the open-field carries and receiving work.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 4 · Pick 115

Drafted by CHI; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 6 recorded games include 2 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Role under review

Brittain Brown

Age 28 · 3 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Fringe-roster depth back on IR. No meaningful NFL production and no role in Chicago's plans behind Swift.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind D'Andre Swift. The dated board currently prefers Kyle Monangai for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Roschon Johnson. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 7 · Pick 250

Drafted by LV; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 2 recorded games include 5 carries and 0 receptions on 1 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Salvon Ahmed

Age 27 · 5 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Salvon Ahmed is a six-year veteran listed by CHI at RB, from Washington. The official roster lists him at 5-11 and 196 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Zavier Scott

Age 27 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Zavier Scott is a third-year player listed by CHI at RB, from Maine. The official roster lists him at 6-1 and 220 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2023 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
D'Andre Swift
1622334138614.3
Kyle Monangai
17169189478.6
Brittain Brown
250374.8
Roschon Johnson
620170.3
Salvon Ahmed
—————
Zavier Scott
—————
D'Andre Swift: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1319 touches
Wk 1416 touches
Wk 1519 touches
Wk 1615 touches
Wk 1711 touches
Wk 1811 touches
Kyle Monangai: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1322 touches
Wk 1415 touches
Wk 1511 touches
Wk 1612 touches
Wk 1711 touches
Wk 187 touches
Brittain Brown: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 2 recorded games in 2025

Wk 95 touches
Wk 150 touches
Roschon Johnson: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 20 touches
Wk 30 touches
Wk 40 touches
Wk 61 touches
Wk 71 touches
Wk 110 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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