Chicago Bears sign Collin Johnson to practice contract

The Chicago Bears adjusted their practice squad on Tuesday by signing 26-year-old tackle Collin Johnson and, in a corresponding move, releasing kicker John Parker Romo.

After four years at the University of Texas, Johnson was a fifth-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. He played the 2021 season with the New York Giants and missed 2022 due to a torn Achilles tendon. In his two years, he totaled 29 receptions for 377 yards. and 2 touchdowns in 26 games (1 start) while playing on 277 special teams.

*The International Pathway Program grants the Bears a 17th slot exemption if they want to keep Mbaeteka around all year to practice with the team.

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The Chicago Bears running back tandem takes a turn for the worse as their starting running back will miss time with an injury. Starting running back Khalil Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain in the Bears’ Week 5 win against the Washington Commanders. Herbert’s injury will likely sideline him for three to four weeks.

The Bears drafted Herbert in the 6th Round-217th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He entered his rookie season as the third-string running back and kick returner. He got playing time with the injury to David Montgomery, starting in two games. In his rookie season, he had 433 yards on 103 carries and two touchdowns. Herbert also had 27 kick returns for 650 yards.

He entered his second season as the number two running back behind David Montgomery. The Bears placed him on injured reserve with a hip injury in Week 10 and activated him in Week 16. Herbert finished the season with 731 yards on 129 carries and four rushing touchdowns.

During the offseason, the Bears let David Montgomery walk. They signed running backs D’Onta Foreman and Travis Homer and drafted Roschon Johnson in the 4th round in the 2023 NFL Draft. Herbert competed with Foreman and Johnson for the starting running back job and won.

Khalil wasn’t the only running back to miss the rest of the game with an injury. Two other running backs got injured.

Rookie running back Roschon Johnson left Week 5’s game with a head injury. Roschon Johnson exited the first quarter after colliding with safety Darrick Forrest. After the hit, Johnson was evaluated for a concussion.

Fourth-stringer Travis Homer also exited the game. Homer suffered a hamstring injury and didn’t return. Chicago signed Travis Homer primarily to play on special teams.

The Bears will have to rely on free agent acquisition D’Onta Foreman. The Bears signed D’Onta Foreman to a 1-year, $2 million contract this offseason. Foreman only played in the home opener this season and has been a healthy scratch since Week 2. Foreman has been a healthy scratch because the Bears want Roschon Johnson to get playing time.

Foreman has the most experience in the NFL out of any Bears running back. Foreman also has experience as the starting back in his career. He took over

for the injured Derrick Henry during the 2021 season. He also took over for Christian McCaffrey when he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers last season.

With the injury to Khalil Herbert, the Bears signed Darrynton Evans to the active roster. Chicago claimed Evans off waivers during the 2022 offseason. Chicago waived him in August and signed him to the practice squad.

They promoted Evans to the active roster in November.The Bears are hoping that Khalil Herbert will only miss a few games. He is their best running back

on the team. If not, the Bears will rely on D’onta Foreman. Roschon Johnson could play since he suffered a concussion on Thursday, giving him an extra

three days to clear concussion protocol. If Roschon can’t play in Week 6, Darrynton Evans gets the start.