Khalil Herbert News

Before Foreman was signed, Travis Homer and Trestan Ebner were the only other running backs on the Bears' roster. Last year, Herbert rushed for 5.7 yards per carry, but he averaged 10 rushing attempts per game while David Montgomery averaged 12.5 carries. It's unclear whether Herbert or Foreman will be the lead back, but with Foreman weighing 235 pounds, he would seem the more likely candidate for early-down and goal-line work. However, nothing is certain at this point except Herbert now has serious competition for work.

Herbert was beginning to see his role in the offense increase beginning in Week 7 before he suffered a hip injury that caused him to miss four games beginning in Week 10. Upon his return, he was back to seeing a smaller number of touches that reflected his early-season usage. After rushing for 4.2 yards per a carry in 2021, he was over a full yard per carry better this year, and he often looked to be a superior runner over lead back David Montgomery. With Montgomery set to hit free agency, if the team doesn't re-sign him, Herbert may move right into the lead back role. He's signed through the 2024 season.

In a game that Chicago ran just 43 offensive plays, the team had just 11 rushing attempts to split between Herbert and David Montgomery. In the Week 18 finale against the Vikings, Herbert will likely remain in a backup role to Montgomery, which will result in an uncertain workload.

Herbert also caught two of three targets, but his receptions lost four yards. Coming back after missing the past four games, he had 10 fewer carries than David Montgomery. Although Herbert has a favorable Week 17 matchup against the Lions, he'll need to see increased usage in order to be a solid fantasy option.

After missing the minimum four games while on IR, Herbert was cleared to resume practicing Tuesday and checked out fine during the Bears' three sessions this week, prompting head coach Matt Eberflus to sign off on the running back's return to the 53-man roster this weekend. While Herbert was sidelined, Darrynton Evans and Trestan Ebner handled limited roles behind top running back David Montgomery, but expect Herbert to push for a larger share of backfield snaps and touches now that he's healthy again. Over the last six games in which both Montgomery and Herbert were available from Weeks 5 through 10, Herbert saw snap shares ranging between 22 and 41 percent and averaged 9.3 carries per contest.

Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (hip) will be officially reinstated from injured reserve on Friday, per head coach Matt Eberflus. Herbert is expected to play on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills after missing more than a month. David Montgomery will likely have a smaller workload now that Herbert is back. numberFire's models project Herbert for 10.8 touches and 53.5 yards in his first game back. The Bills rank in the top-10 of our adjusted team rankings in both pass and run defense.