What It Means:

Graziano wrote earlier this week that readers should not "be surprised to see rookie Roschon Johnson emerge as the primary back before long," citing the back's strong training camp performances and the organization's optimistic outlook on his three-down potential. A fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson has looked like he has what it takes to compete in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season. His 6'2, 222-lbs frame profiles closer to a lead back's stature than Khalil Herbert's, and the team has previously liked Herbert in a more supporting role than the lead back role he currently has. If Johnson is available in any season-long waiver wires, he is definitely worth picking up.

Johnson has looked good with limited work this season, averaging a crisp 5.8 yards per carry on his 9 attempts with a strong 55.6% rushing success rate. He has also seen a surprising number of looks in the passing game and has caught 8 of his 9 targets for 45 yards. The Bears' offense is a bit of a mess right now, but he could become a fantasy-relevant player regardless of the team's offensive woes if he can earn a strong enough role.