Injury Officially Forces Shane Waldron Into Much-Needed Lineup Change

While the protection issues were something the Chicago Bears somewhat anticipated to start the season, even they didn't see the complete shutdown of their running game coming. D'Andre Swift has been a non-factor on the ground through two games, managing 48 yards on 24 carries. Khalil Herbert isn't any better, getting four carries for seven yards. The only other person back to see action is Travis Homer. He actually did some good work, compiling 16 yards on three carries. Unfortunately for him and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, a finger injury has landed him on Injured Reserve.

Why is this bad for Waldron? Because it will force him to undo one of the most confusing roster decisions he made to start the year. That is benching second-year running back Roschon Johnson. The former 4th round pick out of Texas had a strong rookie season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and catching 34 passes. He also became the Bears' most dependable pass protector. Everyone figured he'd be an integral part of the running back rotation. Waldron had other ideas.

Shane Waldron has to get Johnson more involved.

The common wisdom in football is that if you have an offensive line that struggles to consistently open rushing lanes, the best thing to do is put in a back who doesn't go down easily. Swift and Herbert are not those types of runners. Johnson is. He's big, strong, and has good contact balance. His downhill style should enable him to churn out more yards in Waldron's inside-zone scheme. This doesn't even account for his versatility as a pass protector. Anything the Bears can do to preserve Caleb Williams is a must.

It isn't clear why Shane Waldron made the decision to sideline Johnson. Maybe he just preferred backs with more explosiveness, which Swift and Herbert possess. The same goes for Homer. That is fine and good, but it doesn't matter much if those backs can't create for themselves when the blocking isn't perfect. Johnson lacks flash, but he certainly has the grit. If ever there was a time to get him going, it should be against one of the NFL's worst run defenses.