Ben Johnson Just Opened the Door for an Overlooked Bears Player

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Ben Johnson Just Opened the Door for an Overlooked Bears Player

NFL: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Janik Eckardt · Sportsnaut

Sun, November 1, 2026 at 11:57 PM UTC ·

4 min read

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Zavier Scott has already scored an NFL touchdown, played a full season as a reserve and learned how quickly a roster spot can disappear. His next opportunity may come Monday night in Seattle, with a Bears team that is beginning to trust him with more.

Kyle Monangai will miss his fourth consecutive game because of thumb and toe injuries, leaving Chicago without an important part of its backfield. D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson remain ahead of Scott, but Ben Johnson suggested the recently promoted running back could have a role beyond special teams.

Scott has been receiving more practice work, Johnson said Saturday . Whether that leads to more playing time is still a question, but the coach pointed to Chicago's high offensive play counts as a reason to consider using everyone available. "I think we're going to need all three backs to play for us."

For Scott, that would be another step in a career built through practice squads, small opportunities and the work required to earn the next one.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants — Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands off to running back Zavier Scott (36) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Indianapolis in 2023. After time on the Colts' practice squad, he joined Minnesota's practice squad in 2024. A year later, he appeared in 16 games for the Vikings, contributing on special teams and providing depth at running back.

One of his most memorable moments came a long way from Minnesota. Against Pittsburgh in Dublin on September 28, 2025, Scott caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Carson Wentz. It was his first NFL touchdown, part of a late Vikings comeback attempt that fell short in a 24-21 loss.

. @cj_wentz steps up in the pocket and throws a touchdown in the back of the end zone.

10-point game in Dublin.

MINvsPIT on @nflnetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WvXpVzJ9jS

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

That play showed he could contribute when the ball came his way. Over the season, Scott finished with 114 rushing yards and 14 catches for 98 yards. Yet those appearances did not secure his place for the following year. Minnesota waived him during final cuts this summer, and Chicago signed him September 1 .

He arrived after the Bears had completed training camp. That timing helps explain why his offensive opportunity has taken longer to develop.

Johnson said Scott had less time in the system than the other backs, making trust an ongoing part of his progress. The coach has seen him improve as his practice repetitions increase. Scott's special teams work, meanwhile, gave Chicago a reason to keep bringing him onto the game-day roster.

The Bears elevated him from the practice squad for games against Green Bay, Atlanta and New England. Across those appearances, he recorded five special teams tackles and forced a fumble on a kickoff return . Chicago signed him to the 53-man roster on October 27 after using his three standard elevations.

Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower sees a player whose preparation matches that production. Hightower said Friday that Scott regularly visits his office seeking ways to improve, a habit that began while he was working on the scout team. As Roschon Johnson took on more offensive responsibility, Scott helped fill the opening on special teams.

Now there could be room for him to help the offense, too. Swift handled 26 touches against New England, and Monangai's continued absence leaves the Bears managing the workload behind him. Scott would not need a large number of touches to provide useful relief. A few dependable snaps could give Chicago another option as the game unfolds.

The coach's comments do not guarantee carries or a fixed rotation against Seattle. Scott still has to earn each assignment, including the blocking and protection work that can determine whether a reserve back stays on the field.

He has already shown how he approaches that process. When asked about his roster promotion, Scott credited consistent preparation and the teammates who had helped him since his arrival. The move did not change what he believed he needed to do each day.

Monday could give him a chance to show more of that work with the ball in his hands. For a player who lost his place in Minnesota, earning Chicago's trust has put him within reach of another meaningful opportunity.

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