The final Chicago Bears 53-man roster was what most people expected on Tuesday. However, there were a few quirks. For one, they’re carrying three quarterbacks. That isn’t the usual procedure in previous years. They’ve also gone heavy on the offensive line with ten bodies. Otherwise, there were no shocking names cut. However, there was something that stood out. More precisely, it was the moves they didn’t make. That was the running back position. The only three listed were D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Kyle Monangai. The latter two have been out with injuries for the past two weeks. Travis Homer just went on IR as well. People have wondered if this meant a move might be coming. GM Ryan Poles finally provided an answer.
In short, the answer is yes. While the team remains unconcerned with the overall health prospects of Johnson and Monangai, he admitted the running back configuration should look considerably different as the team shifts toward preparations for Minnesota.
Ryan Poles addressed the depth at RB and said the position "should look very different as we move forward."
When asked specifically about RBs Kyle Monangai and Roschon Johnson, Poles said he feels "good" about both of their timelines to return from injury.
Poles: "Kyle's coming…
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 26, 2025
Ryan Poles is never one to play the misdirection game.
When he says something, you can take it on reasonable faith that it’s genuine. If he says the Bears are planning some adjustments at running back, it is true. After all, the team unloaded every other option on the roster. Ian Wheeler, Brittain Brown, and Royce Freeman were cut. That means all three didn’t meet the standards head coach Ben Johnson was looking for, or somebody else became available that the team has an eye on. The Bears hold the 10th overall spot in the waiver wire pick order. Ryan Poles has been active on it in the past. He may also be working the phones for a possible trade. Everything depends on timing, who’s available, and luck. There will likely be answers within the next 48 hours as waivers come down. Poles stated the scouts and coaches would hunker down inside Halas Hall until then.