The Bears’ running back picture keeps getting stranger by the day, but one thing is becoming clear: Salvon Ahmed is making the most of Kyle Monangai’s absence.
Monangai was again missing from practice on Day 4 of training camp, and there still hasn’t been any explanation for why the 2025 rookie sensation has been out after being present on the first day. Bears fans are left wondering what’s going on, but the team has at least seen one backup option start to separate himself.
Ahmed got extra work when Monangai sat out on Day 3, and he made a strong impression. Bears Wire’s Brendan Sugrue called him a stud after that practice, noting that the veteran was the first running back to get a look with the team’s RB2 sidelined.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that Ahmed had a long run during practice and showed speed now that he’s fully healthy. Biggs also said Ahmed has some “giddy up” to his step, something the Bears could like from a third option behind Monangai and D’Andre Swift.
Ahmed’s track record gives the Bears a reason to keep watching. He had a productive season with the Miami Dolphins in 2020, finishing with 319 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards, and two rushing touchdowns as a rookie. For his career, he has 593 rushing yards and five touchdowns, though he hasn’t played a regular-season game since 2023.
The concern with Ahmed has always been health, and that history is why his strong early camp showing matters. Right now, he looks like he’s fully past that and running the ball well.
That also creates a ripple effect elsewhere on the roster. Ahmed appears to be moving into the RB3 role, which only turns up the pressure on Roschon Johnson.
Johnson got only two carries last year before Monangai took over as the backup, and his standing has not improved since the injury he dealt with last season. His reps are dropping, while Ahmed’s are rising.
The Bears also have Coleman Bennett and Brittain Brown in the mix, but the early message is pretty obvious: Ahmed is ahead of that group for now.
Training camp is still young, and the Monangai situation remains the biggest mystery. But while fans wait for answers there, Ahmed is giving Chicago a solid reason to feel better about the running back room.
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