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Bears Trade Proposition Supplants Disappointing RB For Ex 1,000 Yard Rusher

Bears Make Feelings Clear on D'Andre Swift Amid Run Struggles

The Chicago Bears snuck past the Las Vegas Raiders in a mistake-filled thriller – for both teams – 25-24, on Sunday afternoon.

Whilst the Bears were certainly not perfect on the defensive side – despite two interceptions from former two-time All-Pro safety, Kevin Byard – the area that really got fans going was the run game.

Despite a game-sealing touchdown, D’Andre Swift had yet another disappointing game against Las Vegas, managing just 2.7 yards per carry on the day, and a similarly poor 3.3 YPC on the season.

And whilst there were high hopes for him over the past couple of seasons, former fourth round pick, Roschon Johnson has effectively been frozen out of the team, having been given no carries over the past two weeks since returning from a foot injury.

Rookie seventh round pick, Kyle Monangai, had a better day than Swift in week 4, but on the season has largely been playing with similar mediocre levels of efficiency.

It seems to be, more than anything, that head coach, Ben Johnson, is looking for his lead back to truly move the offense forward. Now, he is almost certainly not going to find him on the trade block ahead of November’s deadline, but there is a chance that he can find a new lead back – or at least one that gives a bona fide competitive push to Swift and Monangai.

So in this trade proposal, the Bears make a trade for Carolina Panthers backup running back, Rico Dowdle.

Dowdle came over from the Dallas Cowboys this past offseason, where he managed 1,079 yards rushing in his first season as the RB1. However, the Cowboys were not keen on retaining him, and instead the Panthers signed him to a modest one year, $2.75 million deal, with incentives that could get him up past the $6 million figure in 2025.

But the ex-Cowboy is very much RB2 in Carolina, behind Chuba Hubbard – who was signed to a four year extension last November.

In this proposal, the Dowdle has the opportunity to see not only get more attempts rushing, and eventually take over as the starter, but to operate in an offense filled with far more high-quality skill weapons, operated by offensive guru, Ben Johnson.

The South Carolina alum has not managed to eclipse 10 carries this season, and his efficiency metrics are way down from last season, going from 4.6 yards per carry in 2024, to 3.0 over the past four games.

Yet, how much of that is down to the crumbling offense, rather than Dowdle’s change in ability is certainly worth noting – especially since he is still just 27 years of age.

Behind the Bears’ interior offensive line that, at least on paper, has talent – and with one of the most respected up-and-coming offensive minds in the business in Ben Johnson, Dowdle could return to being a 1,000 yard + rusher, and finally give quarterback, Caleb Williams, his outlet in the ground game that the team have so desperately needed.

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Chicago Bears Rookie Gets a Fan Meeting Organized by His Mother Despite Not Having Played a Single Game for the Team
CHICAGO — Last weekend, over a hundred Da Bears fans gathered at a high school gymnasium in the suburbs, where Sophia Trapilo—the mother of rookie Ozzy Trapilo (OT, Chicago Bears)—took it upon herself to organize a small fanmeet for her son. The special part: Trapilo hasn't played a single official NFL snap yet, despite being drafted in the second round (Pick 56) in 2025. The event lasted over an hour, featuring a Q&A session, autographed photos, and a display corner showcasing Trapilo's college helmet from his Boston College days. No big sponsors, no flashy banners—just a small stage, a few rows of folding chairs, and the heartfelt enthusiasm of a mom who believes her son is "being underrated." "You might not have seen him on TV yet, but I've lived with him for 21 years," Sophia said, her voice choking up. "My son is the hidden gem of this team. He deserves the opportunity, and when it comes, he'll grab it with both hands—with those massive paws and that 6'8" frame of his!" According to those close to him, Trapilo is the introverted type: quiet, but all action. At training camp, he stood out in blocking drills and was especially diligent with film study. Still, his playing time hasn't opened up amid a deep offensive line room featuring Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright. The fanmeet thus served as both an introduction and a morale boost. Sophia didn't hold back in sharing her son's journey: "From a lanky kid who had to duck under doorframes just to get through the house, to the young man willing to sleep on a film room couch to break down every pass set, every run block... Nothing here is 'by chance'—just discipline, perseverance, and faith." A team media relations assistant—reportedly there unofficially—offered a brief comment after the event: "We appreciate the love families show for our players. Personnel decisions are always based on tactical needs and practice performance. Ozzy is on the right track." On social media, reactions were split. Some fans called hosting a fanmeet before any game action "too soon." Others found it touching, moved by a mother's devotion. Sophia fired back right on the mic: "I'm not here to demand a spot for him. I'm here to remind him—and everyone—that dreams don't just start when you're called on the big stage. Dreams start the day you dare to believe you're good enough." As for Trapilo, he bowed his head in thanks, saying just one line before retreating backstage: "I'll let the work do the talking." The fanmeet wrapped with a group photo, Sophia hugging her son and whispering something the reporters couldn't catch. All that was visible was Trapilo smiling, pulling his Bears cap low, then heading out of the gym amid cheers from a few dozen kids high-fiving him. Expert Take (brief): Trapilo wasn't a combine headliner, but his college tape shows solid footwork in pass protection, anchor strength against bull rushes, and quick hands (33.5-inch arms). In Matt Eberflus's run-heavy scheme with Caleb Williams, a "hidden gem" like that could anchor the line if he earns trust in early-down and red-zone packages. Wrap: Mom might be "a beat ahead," but today's story isn't PR. It's a mother's right to believe in her son, and a rookie's right to quietly knock on opportunity's door—until it swings open.