Salvon Ahmed
Phil Thompson at the Chicago Tribune has 5 observations as Chicago Bears enter Week 1:
4. Will the running back room be ready?
[D’Andre] Swift left Thursday’s practice early, but it’s likely the extent of his injury (if any) won’t become apparent until early in the week.
Kyle Monangai has missed nine consecutive practices since hurting his right knee Aug. 16. He’s “week to week,” so his status on the Bears’ first injury report Wednesday will be critical.
Roschon Johnson had only two carries for 17 yards in seven games last season.
Losing Swift would, indeed, be a blow. But the Bears prepared for the loss of Monangai when they kept Salvon Ahmed on the practice squad.
Johnson brings special teams expertise and he needed to remain on the roster. But Ahmed is a six year veteran who will be ready to step in if Monangai can’t go. Almost everyone agrees that Ahmed outperformed Johnson in the preseason as part of the offense.
Ahmed had six carries for 36 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. He also contributed significantly in the passing game, notably catching three passes for 55 yards and a 49-yard touchdown in the preseason opener. Though Johnson led the backfield in volume with 35 carries for 128 yards and one touchdown he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry and contributed nothing to the passing game.
But beyond that, Ahmed simply looked quicker and more dynamic.
The guess here is that if Monangai can’t play, Ahmed will be raised from the practice squad to (the Bears hope) backup Swift and all will be well.