Bear Necessities: Rookie Khalil Herbert praised for performance vs. Packers
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For most teams down to their third-string running back, you wouldn’t expect a particularly impressive performance. But for a team like the Bears with a deep running back room, that’s not the case.
With David Montgomery sidelined with a knee sprain and Damien Williams on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Herbert took most of the reps at running back against the Packers on Sunday. And he had a breakout game in his first NFL start.
Herbert had 19 rushes for 97 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and a touchdown, which helped the Bears offense sustain drives when they did commit to the run.
“He’s consistent every single day,” said running backs coach Michael Pitre. “He’s the same guy every day when he comes to work. He comes to work every day with the mindset of being a great teammate. Yesterday was no different. He just got some more opportunities and took advantage of the opportunities he was presented.”
While Sunday’s game was Herbert’s first start, it wasn’t the first success he’s had this season. The previous week against the Raiders, Herbert led the Bears with 75 yards on 18 carries (4.2 yards per carry).
“He works hard, he’s got some great guys in the room to learn from, and then most importantly the guys up front are doing a great job blocking for him, being able to create opportunities for him and create lanes,” Pitre said. “That’s the biggest thing is those guys, those tight ends and receivers, all other 10 guys on the field doing their jobs and allowing him to do his job.”
> 4 takeaways from Bears’ frustrating loss to Packers
> Bears report card: How we graded Chicago in their Week 6 loss
> Bears PFF grades: Best and worst performers in Week 6 loss vs. Packers
> Olin Kreutz on Aaron Rodgers ‘I still own you’ comment: ‘I’d like to punch him in his face’
> Rookie Khalil Herbert was lone bright spot for Bears offense in loss to Packers
> Eddie Jackson takes jab at Lance Briggs after tackling criticism
> Bears worked out Duke Johnson and other running backs Monday
> Packers anticipating LT David Bakhtiari to return to practice this week. Read more on Packers Wire.
> Vikings’ playoffs chances after Panthers victory. Read more on Vikings Wire.
> Dan Campbell aims to ‘shake things up a little bit’ with the Lions personnel this week. Read more on Lions Wire.
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