Chicago Bears to Activate Khalil Herbert off Injured Reserve
Running back set to return for game against the Lions
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Chicago Bears have announced that running back Khalil Herbert will be activated off injured reserve ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions. Herbert, who injured his ankle in Week 5 against Washington, has missed the Bears’ last five games.
At the time of his injury, Herbert was leading the team in rushing with 272 yards and averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. His return will provide a much-needed boost to the Bears’ offense.
To make room for Herbert on the roster, the Bears waived running back Darrynton Evans. This decision reflects the team’s confidence in Herbert’s ability to contribute immediately.
In Herbert’s absence, the Bears turned to veteran D’Onta Foreman, who has performed admirably. Since taking over as the starter in Week 6, Foreman has amassed 351 rushing yards on 81 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He has also scored three rushing touchdowns and added a receiving touchdown to his name.
However, Foreman himself is dealing with an ankle injury sustained in the previous game against the Carolina Panthers. While he expressed optimism about his recovery, his availability for the upcoming game against the Lions remains uncertain.
Foreman and Herbert have only played together in one game this season, and the prospect of having both running backs at full strength excites Foreman. He believes their complementary styles will pose a challenge for opposing defenses.
Herbert has been a full participant in practice leading up to the Panthers and Lions games. Despite not being activated last week, he is confident that he will be on the field for the upcoming matchup.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus praised Herbert’s performance in practice and indicated that the team would assess his workload for his first start since October 5. If Herbert is limited, the Bears have confidence in Foreman and Roschon Johnson to carry the load.
With an abundance of healthy running backs, the Bears are now faced with the task of determining how to distribute carries among their top three rushers. Foreman’s impressive performance in Herbert’s absence has caught the attention of the coaching staff, who aim to find a balance in utilizing their running backs against the Lions’ formidable run defense.
Eberflus emphasized the importance of production and flow of the game in determining the distribution of carries. The Bears’ coaching staff recognizes the value of having two talented runners with different styles, providing a challenge for opposing defenses.
The return of Khalil Herbert adds another dimension to the Bears’ offense and gives them a chance to compete against the Lions. The team’s ability to effectively utilize their running backs will be crucial in their pursuit of victory.