Bears RB David Montgomery designated to return from IR

Though sixth-round rookie Khalil Herbert has filled in admirably as the lead back for the Bears over the past few games, head coach Matt Nagy indicated that starter David Montgomery isn't expected to lose any touches when he returns. Montgomery posted 309 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries through his first four games in 2021 as the Bears started the season 2-2.

Montgomery ran for over 100 yards in Weeks 1 and 4 but was placed on injured reserve with a sprained knee on Oct. 9, six days after he was injured against the Detroit Lions. Now the team will have 21 days to elevate him to the active roster.

Chicago won its first game without Montgomery, 20-9, against the Las Vegas Raiders, but despite now having over 140 rushing yards as a team in each of the last five games — and seven of the eight contests this year overall — the Bears face a tough run defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9. The Bears and Steelers will play on "Monday Night Football" before Chicago takes its Week 10 bye.

In place of Montgomery, Herbert has racked up a team-leading 351 rushing yards to go with one touchdown on 81 attempts. Damien Williams got the start in the backfield in Week 5, but after his 16-carry, 64-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Lions, Williams was placed on the COVID-19 list the following week.