D'Andre

Swift

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.

Swift was mostly bottled up — he was stuffed on two fourth-down gos early in the game — but caught fire briefly on Chicago’s first drive of the third quarter, running for 32 of his 79 yards and what looked to be a one-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, Bears backup lineman Doug Kramer lined up at fullback without reporting (or even acknowledging that a referee was on the field) and the penalty nullified the score. Swift’s managed to maintain his fantasy value thanks to Roschon Johnson’s concussion, but he’s a low-end RB2 at best right now even against the Lions depleted defensive line in Week 16.

The Bears find a collective sigh of relief after ruling Roschon Johnson out earlier in the week. Swift managed just a lone limited session this week while dealing with a groin injury but will be on the field as the Bears take on the division rival Vikings. Inactive for the Bears are DT Gervon Dexter, LT Braxton Jones, RB Roschon Johnson, OL Ryan Bates, DB Ameer Speed, and LB Noah Sewell.

Swift failed to practice on Thursday and Friday before logging a limited sessions Saturday as he tends to a groin injury. The Bears already ruled out fellow back Roschon Johnson with a concussion, meaning Swift could be in line for another robust workload after seeing 16 opportunities on a 79% snap rate against the 49ers in Week 14, assuming he can play through his ailment. The Bears will be extremely thin at the position if Swift can’t go, likely forced to turn to Travis Homer and recent addition Darrynton Evans.

It’ll mark the second consecutive missed game for the young running back as he works his way through the league’s concussion protocol. Johnson was injured after just two offensive snaps in Week 13. Expect D’Andre Swift, assuming health, to serve in a workhorse role in his absence after seeing 16 opportunities on a robust 79% snap rate in the team’s Week 14 loss to the 49ers.

The Bears play on Monday, giving Swift one more day to return to the practice field. He missed the first two practices before Week 14 but was upgraded to a limited session for the final day and ultimately suited up come kickoff. We are expecting a similar runout this week. Roschon Johnson is recovering from a concussion and did not return to practice on Friday, meaning Travis Homer will likely back up Swift again.

The Bears held a walkthrough on Thursday as they prepare for Monday night’s game against the Vikings, so Thursday’s report is just an estimation. Swift missed two practices with a quad injury last week but still suited up to play against the 49ers after logging a limited practice on Friday. This is the first we’ve heard about his groin injury, so we’ll assume it’s something minor until the team says otherwise.

Travis Homer barred Swift from passing-down duties in the first half but after Homer exited due to a head injury, Swift remained on-field for both third and fourth downs. His 40-yard outing is a complete disappointment. Swift makes for an RB3/4 against the Vikings in Week 15.

Swift was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday before closing the week with a limited session. The Bears listed him as questionable on their final injury report. Roschon Johnson is out with a concussion, so the Bears may not be able to limit Swift’s touches even if they want to. His new backup, Travis Homer, has three carries this year. All three attempts came in the first two weeks of the season. Swift remains a volume-based RB2 for his date with San Francisco.