Training Camp and Preseason
Fans, media and coaches all raved about Howard’s performance during training camp. Howard did his best to make some of the Bears top defenders miss tackling him. It is said he played and practiced as hard as anyone and always gave his best effort. Coaches and fellow players had nothing but great things to say about him.

Howard’s preseason was pretty decent. He saw action in all four games but was a limited participant in the Denver and Kansas City games. He had a little bit better outing against New England but saved his best for last. In the final game of the preseason, against the Browns, Howard rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. He looked like a start going into the season.
Despite having a solid preseason, the coaching staff still had their eyes set on having Langford be the starter. Howard would see some snaps in the regular season so the Bears went into the 2016 campaign set at running back. They had Howard, Langford, Carey and they were ready to roll.
Kickoff
As predicted, Langford started the season as the go to guy at the running back position. He began the year with 17 carries for 57 yards. Howard was inactive for that game and Carey had just one rushing attempt.
Howard didn’t see a single carry in week two. He did finally see action in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys but that game also saw Langford go out with an ankle injury.
It was time for Howard to rise up and shine.