D’Andre Swift aims to hold off strong competition at Bears training camp, relying on his explosiveness, versatility, and experience to secure the starting running back role.

As the Chicago Bears head into 2025 training camp, one of the most intriguing positional battles will unfold in the backfield. Veteran running back D’Andre Swift enters camp with experience, explosiveness, and versatility, but he’ll have to fend off a competitive group of younger, hungry backs aiming to claim the starting job. With a new offensive scheme under coordinator Ben Johnson and a revitalized team culture, Swift’s spot at the top of the depth chart is anything but guaranteed.

Will Swift maintain his hold on the starting role? Or will a challenger emerge to take over? Here’s a deep dive into the battle brewing in Chicago’s backfield.

D’Andre Swift: The Proven Veteran

D’Andre Swift arrived in Chicago after an up-and-down tenure with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his explosiveness, soft hands, and shiftiness in space, Swift has long been considered one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat running backs—when healthy.

Career Overview

• Rushing Yards: Over 3,000 yards in his career

• Receiving Yards: Nearly 1,500 receiving yards

• Touchdowns: 25+ total touchdowns

• Yards per Touch: An impressive career average above 5.0

His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and break long runs makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. However, durability concerns and stretches of inconsistency have raised questions about his long-term viability as a workhorse back.

Why Swift Still Has the Edge

Despite competition, Swift enters training camp as the frontrunner for several reasons:

1. Familiarity with Ben Johnson’s System

Ben Johnson previously coached Swift in Detroit, where he played some of his best football in a creative, running-back-friendly scheme. Johnson knows how to use Swift’s strengths—screen passes, angle routes, outside zone runs—and can put him in position to succeed.

This familiarity gives Swift a valuable head start as the Bears install Johnson’s playbook during camp.

2. Pass-Catching Ability

In today’s NFL, versatility is crucial for running backs. Swift excels in the passing game, capable of lining up as a receiver and creating mismatches against linebackers. In a league that values running backs who can stay on the field in all situations, Swift has a clear advantage.

3. Veteran Presence

Swift brings experience and professionalism to the locker room. He understands pass protection schemes, knows how to prepare during the week, and has played in big moments. That experience counts for a lot, especially when competing with younger players still learning the NFL ropes.

The Competition: Who’s Gunning for the Job?

While Swift may be the incumbent, the Bears have assembled a deep and talented running back room filled with potential breakout stars.

Khalil Herbert

Herbert has been a steady contributor for the Bears over the past few seasons. He’s a decisive runner with excellent vision and a knack for turning small creases into solid gains. Though not as explosive as Swift, Herbert is reliable, durable, and well-liked by coaches.

Strengths: Inside running, ball security, vision
Weaknesses: Limited pass-catching and blocking skills

Roschon Johnson

A third-year back out of Texas, Johnson offers power, toughness, and special teams value. Known for his downhill running style, he’s a punishing back who wears down defenses late in games. Coaches love his attitude and work ethic.

Strengths: Physicality, short-yardage reliability, leadership
Weaknesses: Lacks elite burst and top-end speed

Rookie Sleeper: Jordan James (hypothetical example)

Let’s say the Bears added a rookie like Jordan James—a fast, compact back with home-run ability. While still raw, his athletic upside gives him a shot to make waves in training camp if he can master the playbook.

Strengths: Speed, agility, open-field vision
Weaknesses: Pass protection, experience

Key Traits the Bears’ Coaching Staff Is Watching

Ben Johnson and the offensive staff will evaluate more than just stats. Here’s what they’re looking for at camp:

1. Consistency in Execution

Every running back will be judged by how consistently they hit the right hole, pick up blitzes, and execute assignments. Mental mistakes, especially in pass protection, can quickly drop a player down the depth chart.

2. Durability and Availability

Swift’s injury history means he must prove he can stay healthy and withstand the rigors of camp and preseason games. The Bears want a back who can carry the load deep into the season.

3. Explosiveness and Game-Changing Plays

While solid gains are important, Chicago’s offense needs big plays. Swift has shown the ability to score from anywhere on the field. If he can continue doing that in camp, he’ll make it hard for others to push him aside.

Training Camp Storylines to Watch

Here are key questions heading into training camp that could determine how the backfield battle plays out:

Will Swift Stay Healthy?

If Swift suffers even a minor injury, it could open the door for someone like Herbert or Johnson to take first-team reps and make an impression. Availability may be the deciding factor in this battle.

Can Roschon Johnson Develop as a Pass-Catcher?

If Johnson adds a reliable receiving dimension to his bruising running style, he could become a true three-down threat—putting pressure on Swift to outperform him in all phases.

Who Earns the Trust of the Coaching Staff?

Trust is everything, especially in pass protection. If a back misses a blitz pickup that gets the quarterback hit, they could quickly lose snaps. The staff will be watching closely to see who understands their assignments.

Possible Scenarios for the Regular Season

Scenario 1: Swift Wins the Starting Job

If Swift stays healthy and performs as expected, he’ll be the Bears’ lead back, especially on early downs and in passing situations. He could be used similarly to how Ben Johnson featured him in Detroit—splitting out wide, catching screens, and running off-tackle plays.

Role: Starting RB with 15–18 touches per game

Scenario 2: Committee Approach

The Bears may opt for a rotation that keeps all backs fresh. Swift handles passing downs and explosive plays, Herbert gets steady carries between the tackles, and Johnson comes in for short-yardage and red zone packages.

Role: Swift as 1A, others as 1B and 2

Scenario 3: Swift Slips Behind

If Swift gets banged up or underperforms, the Bears could hand the job to a younger back like Herbert or Johnson. In that case, Swift might transition to a third-down/change-of-pace role.

Role: Limited touches, specific packages

What Swift Needs to Do

To stay atop the depth chart, Swift must:

• Stay healthy throughout camp and preseason.

• Show command of the playbook and prove his understanding of the offense.

• Demonstrate versatility as both a runner and receiver.

• Avoid turnovers and ball security issues.

• Outperform competitors in live reps and situational drills.

The good news? Swift has done this before—and he’s motivated to prove he can be more than a rotational back in today’s NFL.

What the Bears Stand to Gain

If Swift performs at his best and solidifies the starting job, the Bears gain a dynamic offensive weapon who can change the game on any snap. His skill set opens up play-action, screen passes, and vertical threats that keep defenses off balance.

A healthy and effective D’Andre Swift could be a key factor in helping Justin Fields—or whoever is under center—develop in Ben Johnson’s system.

Swift’s Time to Prove It

D’Andre Swift enters Bears training camp as the likely starter, but nothing is set in stone. Surrounded by capable competitors and under a new offensive regime, he must prove he can stay healthy, be reliable, and produce big plays consistently.

The competition will be fierce, but Swift has the tools, experience, and scheme familiarity to thrive. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, the 2025 season could be the breakout year he—and the Bears—have been waiting for.

Training camp will provide the answers, but for now, all eyes are on Swift.