David Montgomery is on pace to return Monday night.
When he does, he’ll be the Bears’ lead running back — despite the standout play of rookie Khalil Herbert, who took over when Montgomery sprained his left knee against the Lions on Oct. 3.
When Montgomery practiced Thursday, he opened a three-week window in which the Bears can return him to game action off injured reserve. Coach Matt Nagy made it sound like, despite having a bye next week, the team was ready for Montgomery to play against the Steelers on “Monday Night Football.”
“He was having such a great year, so now we’ll see where it goes,” Nagy said. “But it’s good timing if we are able to get him back and get him going because also, too, he’s grown into such a tremendous leader for that offense. I think that part is, sometimes when you’re not around as much, the guys, you miss that.
“And now, to be able to get him back in those huddles and that stuff, is great.”
Once he gets back, Montgomery will resume the lead role that still has him ranked seventh in rushing yards per game with 77.3. He won’t lose carries to Herbert, Nagy said.
“He’s a vocal leader, he’s a hard worker, he’s a hard runner,” quarterback Justin Fields said. “So of course, we’re glad to have him back this week. And I’m assuming that he’s not going to skip a beat, just based on how hard he works.
“I know he was working hard to get back out there on the field and I’m excited for both of those guys. Both of those guys are weapons. They could both run the ball hard and they could both block and catch the ball out of the backfield. So I’m excited.”
There may still be a role for Herbert, given his success over the past month. Herbert ran for 72 yards or more in each of the four games with Montgomery on the sideline. His 4.3 yards per carry this season is similar to Montgomery, who averages 4.5.
While Nagy said Herbert won’t take Montgomery’s snaps, the Bears could find a role for the rookie at the expense of Damien Williams. Williams hurt his knee Sunday. He missed the team’s loss to the Packers after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list, played 11 snaps against the Buccaneers and only four Sunday against the 49ers.
Montgomery was not made available for interviews Thursday. Asked whether he’s earned snaps even with Montgomery back, Herbert said it was up to Nagy.
“Whatever he requires and whatever he needs from me, from David, I’m sure we’ll both comply … “ he said. “I feel great. Just knowing both of us back there, we both can make plays and defenses gotta plan for both of us.”
Montgomery has helped Herbert in film sessions; during home games, he waited for Herbert on the sidelines to tell him what he was seeing in the game.
Herbert’s success made the rookie felt like he belonged.
“I think a lot more confident,” Herbert said. “Just getting a couple games under my belt, getting used to how things go, so I feel good about my ability to make plays at this level.”
Montgomery does, too.
“I know he’s fired up,” Herbert said. “He’s ready to go. He’s been watching film on them from last week, just getting his mind right, mentally. I know he’s happy to be back, and he’s ready to go to work.”
