Although the five receptions were a new season high, the seven-touch, 19-yard effort capped a dismal sophomore campaign for the 2023 fourth-rounder. In a year where the Bears needed any offensive spark they could get, Johnson never provided one behind struggling lead back D’Andre Swift. He failed to reach three yards per carry, and could not carve out a short-yardage niche, something other backs have had little issue doing alongside Swift. Although Johnson still has two years to go on his rookie deal, there’s no guarantee Matt Eberflus’ replacement will keep Johnson around on the 53-man roster. 26 days shy of his 24th birthday, Johnson is now a fringe dynasty league hold.

Johnson was not targeted. Chicago fell behind early and only gave their running backs 10 total carries. D’Andre Swift saw all but one of those attempts. Johnson is a distant backup on a middling offense heading into Week 17. He is not on the fantasy radar.

Fellow backup running back Travis Homer is listed as doubtful. Johnson was stealing goal line work from D’Andre Swift before suffering a concussion that sidelined him for two weeks. He should reclaim that role in Week 16 while also seeing some work on passing downs, putting him on the RB3/4 border. His return puts Swift at risk of falling out for the RB2 ranks versus Minnesota.

Wednesday’s practice was only a walkthrough, so we’ll learn more when the team hosts their first full practice later this week. Still, a full estimation on the opening report suggests Johnson will clear concussion protocol by the end of the week. Johnson was stealing work from D’Andre Swift on passing downs and at the goal line before suffering the concussion. His return will push Swift deep into the RB3 ranks for his Week 16 matchup with Detroit.