Just another roster-bubble weekend for Ryan Nall.
“A lot of video games,” the third-year Bears running back said. “Sitting in the hotel room, kind of just decompressing and reflecting over camp. Usually I have my wife come out with me and I kind of take my mind off football for a little bit and spend some time with her and have some down time, recovery time, and hope for the best.”
Nall didn’t make the 53-man roster cut the previous two seasons, though he made the practice squad each time. This year, either Nall or former Oregon State teammate Artavis Pierce figures to get the fourth running back spot behind David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen and Cordarrelle Patterson. And with Montgomery injured, there’s a chance both could make it.
And roster-bubble weekend comes with a little more intrigue for Nall this time. With Montgomery injured and likely to miss the first game if not more, Nall could get an opportunity to help fill that void. Nobody else behind Montgomery has the size and experience in Nagy’s offense to fill Montgomery’s role.
“We have a lot of trust in Ryan,” Nagy said. “[It’s] a credit to our personnel staff in finding him. He’s earned his way on to this team via special teams and as a role player. Now he’s starting to grow more and more. So that trust factor we have with him, we can do some different things.”
Nall signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2018 because they promised him the opportunity to play running back, where other teams wanted him in a fullback/H-back role. He might not be the next Phillip Lindsay, who went from undrafted free agent to the Pro Bowl with the Broncos in 2018. But, like every other undrafted free agent who just wants a chance, he thinks he is.
“You gotta be a confident person. If you’re not confident in yourself, you shouldn’t be here in the first place,” Nall said. “Coaches know that and I know that and I have faith in myself and I believe they have faith in me — if not, I don’t think I would be in the position where I am.
“So if it does come down to where David gets hurt and I end up having more touches, [I have] 100 percent confidence in myself that I’m gonna be the best back I can be.”
Nall has increased his roster value by playing some fullback in training camp, but isn’t without some, albeit modest, NFL credentials at running back. Nall had a 32-yard touchdown run in the preseason against the Bills in 2018. He had a 69-yard run against the Colts in the preseason last year. After being promoted to the 53-man roster at mid-season last year, he played mostly special teams, but did have two carries for eight yards in the season finale against the Vikings.
While Nall remains a long shot, he’s making progress. And it helps that he embraces his special-teams role while waiting for his running back opportunity. Sometimes, that’s how you get the opportunity.
“I know Tabes [special teams coach Chris Tabor] really likes him,” Nagy said. “He’s going into his third year and that’s a credit to him because he never worried about the other stuff. He didn’t count numbers. He just did everything he could to become a better running back and a better special teams player. And when you have that, it really helps you out.”
“I’m just going to stay ready,” Nall said. “Stay in the playbook. Make sure I know my role … whether it’s going to be at running back and getting some carries; or at fullback and blocking or being a special teamer, four-phase guy and doing what I can on special teams. I’m just going to do what I can to help this team out.”
