Ryan Poles Reportedly Not Done Making Moves At Key Position

The Chicago Bears are never idle this time of year. GM Ryan Poles has developed a reputation for always working the phones, looking for solutions at positions that might need help. He boosted the defensive line last year with two trades for Chris Williams and Darrell Taylor. It is reasonable to expect he will do so again. The only question is which position it'll be. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune offered an update on that. Based on what he's hearing, there could be a significant shuffle at running back in the next few days.

A big reason for that is the injury issues. Three of their primary guys are dealing with ailments, leaving the depth situation in considerable danger.

Seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai has been out with a minor soft-tissue injury since the joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 15. He’s expected to be back in action soon.

Roschon Johnson (foot) has been out since Aug. 7 and Travis Homer (calf) has been sidelined since Aug. 13. Johnson was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and Homer was re-signed in March to a $1.75 million, one-year contract that guaranteed him $1 million. One or both could be candidates to open the season on injured reserve with a designation to return.

That makes the Bears' course clear.

Unless they like one of Brittain Brown or Royce Freeman, it's reasonable to assume they may go hunting for help. Ben Johnson loves running the football, so he needs a stable of quality bodies to make it work. The waiver wire could be an option, but Biggs doesn't rule out a possible trade if the right guy is available.

It’s possible the Bears go light at running back on the initial 53-man roster Tuesday with plans to make a move or moves in subsequent days. The roster will almost certainly look somewhat different by Thursday when the team begins a four-day break. General manager Ryan Poles could consider a waiver move, a free agent signing or possibly a late trade to bolster the back end of the depth chart.

Ryan Poles will likely look at the lesser-known names.

Knowing the coaches like their setup with Swift and Monangai, he won't go hunting for a big fish. This will be more of a hidden gem hunt. That is where having running backs coach Eric Bieniemy can be such a huge benefit. He's always had a sharp eye for talent at the position. Monangai looks like the latest example. If there is somebody available he likes, Ryan Poles will have the green light to get him. In times like this, it's best to look at the teams that are deep at the position. Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Green Bay feel like teams to watch. Poles is usually good about keeping track of notable names who have played well in the preseason. The trick will be finding somebody who fits Johnson's system. Answers are likely forthcoming in the next 24-48 hours.