NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Fantasy football managers looking for a running back on the waiver wire have a reason to watch Roschon Johnson this week.
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The Chicago Bears entered Thursday with both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Swift returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday, while Monangai missed his second straight session with thumb and toe issues.
That does not make Johnson an automatic pickup, but it does make him more interesting than he was a few days ago.
Roschon Johnson is a stash, not a must-add
For a second straight day, Bears RB Kyle Monangai didn’t practice due to thumb and toe injuries.
Bears RB D’Andre Swift practiced on a limited basis due to knee and hip injuries.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2026
Monangai is coming off the biggest game of his young career. He ran 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns in Chicago’s Week 4 win over the New York Jets, while leading the Bears with 324 rushing yards through four games.
Swift has also been heavily involved. He entered Week 5 with 311 rushing yards and three touchdowns and added another 58 rushing yards on 13 carries against New York.
That leaves Johnson behind two backs who have established themselves as Chicago’s primary options.
Still, fantasy managers should pay attention to the injury reports.
Ben Johnson has downplayed concern surrounding Monangai’s thumb, calling it a day-to-day issue, but the rookie has now missed two consecutive practices. Swift, meanwhile, upgraded from a Wednesday absence to limited participation Thursday.
If both players are active Sunday, Johnson remains a difficult fantasy play. There is simply too much competition for touches.
But the equation changes quickly if either back is ruled out.
Johnson would suddenly have a much clearer path to carries, especially if Chicago continues leaning heavily on its running game. The Bears ran 54 times for 232 yards against the Jets, showing just how much volume can be available when the game plan turns toward the ground.
For that reason, Johnson is worth considering in 14-team leagues and deeper formats where usable running backs are difficult to find.
Oct 13, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Luther Burden III (10) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
In standard 10-team and most 12-team PPR leagues, however, he can remain on the waiver wire if there are higher-upside options available.
The key is not to chase the Week 4 workload and assume it will suddenly belong to Johnson. Monangai’s huge performance and Swift’s continued involvement make that unlikely if both are healthy.
But fantasy managers with room at the end of the bench can afford to think one step ahead.
If Monangai remains sidelined Friday or Swift suffers another setback, Roschon Johnson could go from an afterthought to one of the more interesting waiver-wire names before Sunday’s kickoff.