The Bears’ running back group is expected to rank among the worst in the NFL by 2025, facing significant challenges and limited production prospects.

The NFL is a league that continually evolves, with team compositions, strategies, and player performances shifting year by year. As of 2024, the Chicago Bears’ running back room faces considerable uncertainty and challenges. Projections suggest that by 2025, the Bears’ running back corps could rank among the worst in the league, confronting limited production potential and significant developmental hurdles. This article explores the reasons behind this outlook, analyzing the current roster, historical context, strategic decisions, developmental prospects, and implications for the team’s future.

1. Current State of the Bears’ Running Back Room

Existing Roster and Depth Chart

As of 2024, the Bears’ running back room features a mix of young players, veterans, and recent draft picks. Notable among them are:

• Khalil Herbert: The leading back with promising flashes, but his durability and consistency have been questioned.
• Roschon Johnson: A rookie with potential, but limited NFL experience.
• D’Onta Foreman: A veteran with a solid track record but inconsistent production.
• Deonta Foreman and Travis Homer: Providing depth but not considered elite.

While Herbert has shown glimpses of talent, he has yet to establish himself as a definitive feature back. The other options are either unproven or limited in upside.

Performance Metrics and Limitations

Statistically, the current group has struggled to produce sustained success. Their combined rushing yards, yards per carry, and touchdown production are modest, and injuries have further hampered stability.

Lack of Proven Elite Talent

The absence of a proven, elite-level running back is evident. The team has not secured a player who can reliably carry the load or break key runs consistently, which impacts offensive efficiency and overall team performance.

2. Historical Context and Precedents

Past Bears Running Back Efficacy

Historically, the Bears have had moments of strong rushing attacks, with legendary backs like Walter Payton and Matt Forte. However, in recent years, the team has struggled to develop or acquire a consistent, high-caliber running back.

Impact of Franchise Strategies

The Bears’ offensive strategies have shifted over the years, often emphasizing passing or a balanced attack but rarely emphasizing running game dominance. This strategic shift influences the investment and focus on running backs.

3. Strategic and Organizational Factors Contributing to the Projection

Drafting and Talent Acquisition Strategies

The Bears’ recent drafts have not prioritized running back talent. For instance, their early picks have often focused on quarterback, offensive line, or defensive positions. This lack of emphasis on developing a top-tier running back affects the long-term viability of their ground game.

Investment and Resource Allocation

Limited investment in the running back position—both in terms of high draft picks and free-agent signings—has led to a roster lacking elite talent. Teams that succeed often do so by securing a star back or drafting one early; the Bears have yet to do so consistently.

Offensive Line and Scheme Considerations

An effective rushing attack heavily depends on the offensive line’s quality and scheme. If the line struggles or if the scheme does not favor running, the backs’ productivity diminishes. The Bears have faced inconsistent offensive line performances, further hampering the backs’ effectiveness.

4. Developmental Challenges and Player Limitations

Youth and Inexperience

Young backs like Roschon Johnson have potential but lack extensive NFL experience. Developing their skills to NFL elite levels takes time, and without proper nurturing, their impact could be limited by 2025.

Injuries and Durability

Injuries are a persistent concern for running backs, especially those with limited experience or physical durability. The current roster has already seen injuries affecting key players, raising concerns about sustained availability.

Skill Set Limitations

Many of the current backs excel in specific situations but lack a complete skill set—such as pass protection, receiving, or elusive running—that prevents them from becoming all-around threats.

5. External Factors and League Trends

NFL Running Back Value in 2025

The league has seen a shift in running back valuation, with many teams favoring committee strategies, passing-heavy offenses, or investing in versatile backs rather than feature runners. This trend influences how teams prioritize the position and the resources allocated.

Contract and Cap Implications

Running backs often command significant contracts, and the league’s salary cap constraints may limit the Bears’ ability to acquire or retain top talent if they choose to invest heavily elsewhere.

6. Future Prospects and Developmental Outlook

Potential for Growth

While current projections are bleak, there remains room for optimism. Players like Johnson could develop into more complete backs by 2025 with proper coaching and experience.

Draft and Free Agency Opportunities

The Bears could address the positional gaps through the 2024 and 2025 drafts, targeting high-upside backs or versatile players who can contribute immediately. Free agency also offers opportunities, but often at premium costs.

Coaching and Scheme Adjustments

Strategic changes—such as emphasizing zone blocking schemes, utilizing a committee approach, or improving the offensive line—could enhance the running game’s effectiveness, even with limited talent.

7. Implications of a Weak Running Back Room

Offensive Productivity and Game Planning

A subpar running back group limits offensive versatility, making the team more predictable and easier to defend against. This constrains game planning and can hinder the overall offensive efficiency.

Impact on Quarterback Development

A weak rushing attack can place additional pressure on the quarterback, potentially exposing young signal-callers to more sacks and turnovers, hampering their growth.

Defensive Opponent Strategies

Opponents may exploit a known weak run game by stacking the box, forcing the Bears to rely heavily on their passing game, which could be less effective if the passing attack struggles.

8. Broader Team and Organizational Outlook

Long-term Rebuilding

The projection of a weak running back room reflects broader organizational challenges, such as roster construction and talent development strategies. The Bears may need to prioritize rebuilding the ground game to complement their overall team development.

Drafting Philosophy

Focusing on acquiring offensive line talent, versatile backs, or explosive playmakers could be essential to reversing this trend by 2025.

Investing in Player Development

A significant emphasis on coaching, conditioning, and mentorship could elevate the current roster, turning potential into production.

A Cautiously Pessimistic Outlook for 2025

In summary, the projection that the Bears’ running back room will be among the NFL’s worst in 2025 is rooted in multiple factors:

• Lack of proven elite talent and high draft investment.
• Strategic focus areas that have historically deprioritized the position.
• Developmental hurdles associated with youth, injuries, and skill limitations.
• External league trends that devalue the position relative to other offensive components.
• Structural challenges in roster construction and resource allocation.

While there remains hope for improvement through draft picks, coaching, and strategic adjustments, current indicators suggest that unless significant changes occur, the Bears’ running back unit may continue to lag behind league standards, ultimately ranking among the least effective in 2025.

This outlook underscores the importance of targeted investments, player development, and strategic planning for the Bears to reverse this trajectory and build a more balanced, effective offense in the coming years.