I started the training camp expectation posts by analyzing the quarterback room. You can check that out here. Next, we'll tackle the running backs. 

Since entering the NFL in 2019, David Montgomery had at least 200 rush attempts per season. This offseason, the team let Montgomery walk and sign with the Detroit Lions. To replace Montgomery, a host of options were brought in to compete. 

D'Onta Foreman, Travis Homer, and rookie Roschon Johnson are the newcomers who join 2022 holdovers Khalil Herbert and Trestan Ebner. Let's go over expectations for the room in 2023. 

Khalil Herbert

Herbert shined when given opportunities in 2022. The former sixth-round pick rushed 129 times for 731 yards and four touchdowns. 

Herbert has never shown much as a receiver, so I'm interested to see if he is involved in the passing game at camp. If Herbert can develop as a receiver, that may be enough to outlast newcomer Foreman for the starting job. 

I expect Herbert to enter camp with the realization that he will have to continue to work hard to secure carries. Herbert is used to playing second-fiddle, so I expect him to know he will have to have a big summer. 

D’Onta Foreman

Foreman joins his third team in three years and will be looking to secure the top spot. Foreman took the starting job after the Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey during the 2022 season and ran with it, finishing with 914 rushing yards and five touchdowns. 

Like Herbert, Foreman is a bruiser who won't contribute much as a receiver. Foreman has impressed as a run-blocker and has never had a hard time gaining yards after contact. 

I expect Foreman to come into camp thinking he's the starter. Foreman has always played well enough to be a starter, he's just unfortunately been behind Hall-of-Fame-caliber backs in Derrick Henry and McCaffrey. That won't be the case in Chicago. 

Roschon Johnson

Rookie Roschon Johnson was easy to overlook as the backup to Bijan Robinson at Texas. However, Johnson earned at least five yards per attempt in each of his four college seasons. 

Unlike Foreman and Herbert, Johnson has flashed receiving ability. Johnson came down with 56 catches in college and flashed as a run-blocker. The rookie clearly has the highest upside of any back in Chicago, but may not be ready to start immediately. 

I expect Johnson to enter camp behind Herbert and Foreman. I wouldn't be surprised to see Johnson get some first-team reps and some special teams work. 

Travis Homer

Homer signed in Chicago after four seasons in Seattle. Homer never received more than 25 carries in a season, and primarily contributed on special teams. 

Homer is a solid receiver, having collected more yards receiving than rushing in Seattle. While Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson will compete for the starting role, Homer and Trestan Ebner will likely be competing for the final roster spot. 

Homer should enter camp with the idea that special teams will be the best way to prove his worth. 

Trestan Ebner

Ebner did not contribute much as a rookie, finishing with just 54 yards on 24 attempts. Ebner played in all 17 games, mostly on special teams, and actually recovered four fumbles. Ebner will likely be battling Homer for the final RB spot. 

Both backs have shown special teams' ability, so it will likely come down to who impresses more in this area. Ebner's experience returning kicks could be enough to vault him over the veteran. 

Featured image via © Mike Dinovo | 2022 Dec 24