Bears HC Matt Nagy clears COVID-19 protocols ahead of Steelers game

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy tested positive for COVID-19 coming off the team's blowout defeat at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 24 and wasn't able to attend last Sunday's 33-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that dropped Chicago to 3-5 on the season. 

Per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, Nagy cleared the NFL's COVID-19 protocols and was back at the team's facility on Thursday. Thus, he can take part in the three practices leading up to the "Monday Night Football" game at the 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor handled Chicago's head-coaching duties in Nagy's absence against San Francisco. According to Lieser, it was the first time a Chicago head coach missed a game since the legendary Mike Ditka suffered a heart attack in 1988. 

Nagy was able to offer additional good news ahead of the weekend, as he told reporters lead running back David Montgomery has been designated to return from injured reserve. Montgomery went on IR with a knee sprain in early October and missed the last four games. Per league rules, Chicago has 21 days to elevate him back to the active roster. 

Via ESPN stats, rookie sixth-round draft pick Khalil Herbert became Chicago's top ball-carrier over the past month and now leads the team with 351 rushing yards and 81 carries. Herbert also has one touchdown on the ground.