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By Anne Erickson
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Roschon Johnson didn't need a huge workload to make his presence felt in the Bears' preseason opener. With most of Chicago's starters sitting out, there were chances all over the offense for players trying to make their case, and Johnson took advantage of his.
The running back finished the game as Chicago's leading rusher, picking up 34 yards on eight carries. That's an average of 4.3 yards per attempt, and while those numbers aren't massive, Johnson's overall performance was solid.
He wasn't trying to do too much, either. Johnson followed his blocks, stayed patient and avoided the kind of mistakes that can hurt a player fighting for a roster spot. He didn't turn the ball over, and there weren't any major negative plays that took away from what was otherwise a steady showing.
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That's important for Johnson as he tries to carve out a larger role in Chicago's backfield. The Bears already have D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai ahead of him, leaving Johnson competing for the No. 3 running back spot. A preseason game isn't going to settle that battle on its own, but performances like this certainly help.
Johnson has a chance to show the coaching staff that he can be trusted when his number is called. He doesn't necessarily need to produce a highlight every time he touches the ball. Sometimes, simply running behind his blocks, picking up solid yardage and protecting the football is enough to make a good impression.
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Chicago's preseason win over the Browns also gave players further down the depth chart a chance to get meaningful snaps. With most of the Bears' starters watching from the sideline, Johnson was able to take advantage of the extra time.
The Chicago Bears are still sorting out their running back rotation, and Johnson has lots more to prove before the regular season arrives. Still, his first look was a productive one.
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