One Chicago Bears Roster Problem That Could Linger At Final Cuts

The Chicago Bears have more than two months to worry about making any final decisions regarding the roster. Lots can change between now and late August. Plenty of competitions will happen. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are prepared for the tough decisions to come. One potential issue that most people aren't talking about is a sudden logjam at running back. That may sound unusual, but it can create problems if the team is deadset on keeping as many players as they hope.

Last season, the Bears carried four backs on the roster: David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, Trestan Ebner, and Khari Blasingame. Based on early projections, it's possible they may end up carrying five. There is the three-headed monster everybody is talking about with Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, and rookie Roschon Johnson. Then there is Blasingame at fullback. However, a new wrinkle is present in Travis Homer.

Poles seemed highly complimentary of the veteran free agent from Seattle. It was enough to believe he had a roster spot locked up thanks to his versatility and special teams experience. If that's the case, the Bears will be heavy at running back. This could force them to sacrifice a roster spot elsewhere, maybe at wide receiver or tight end.

The Chicago Bears must have a plan in place.

Are they comfortable going with less depth at another position on the roster? Granted, this offense is built around running the ball. So a deep stable of running backs would make sense. Still, it creates an element of risk at another position. One injury to the wrong player and the team is in big trouble. Running backs are far easier to replace than offensive linemen, receivers, or tight ends. It will be interesting to see how they juggle things when the final decisions are set to be made.

The competition figures to be a fierce one—most project Herbert to be the starter, given his experience and success in the system. However, Foreman and Johnson both have more than enough capability to challenge for that job. This coaching staff isn't shy about making unexpected decisions. If somebody makes an impression in training camp, they're not afraid to go against popular opinion. That is why the upcoming preseason might be quite the battleground at running back.