Chicago Bears: 5 Big questions regarding training camp

Second Question: How do the Chicago Bears handle the running back position?

Another big question is learning more about the running back room with Tarik Cohen placed on the PUP list.

Chicago Bears note: Cohen tore his ACL in Week 3 (late September) of the 2020 season.

Just when Bears fans thought the offense was getting a healthy Cohen back in 2021, reports started coming out that Cohen still wasn’t 100 percent. That landed the scatback on the PUP list to begin training camp. Now, playing without a healthy Cohen leads to more opportunities for David Montgomery, Damien Williams and Khalil Herbert in training camp.

There are big questions about Williams, who was signed out of free agency after sitting out all of last season due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Behind him is Herbert, a sixth-round rookie that many scouts liked going into April’s draft, but he still needs to acclimate to NFL game speed.

The next question is can Montgomery begin the season the way he finished 2020? — Yes, but perhaps with less consistency. Remember that the Bears’ schedule to close out last season came against six of the worst rush defenses in the league which lent bigger performances for Montgomery.

But what Bears fans need to appreciate about Montgomery is having a running back with high expectations.

Cohen not being back to 100 percent is concerning, and perhaps the front office signs another free agent for more depth heading into a 17-game schedule. Cohen’s big-play ability will be missed alongside former Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller, who the team opted to trade to the Houston Texans.

Remembering that the Bears let Cordarrelle Patterson walk in free agency and replaced him with Damiere Byrd and Marquise Goodwin — where will the big-play ability come from this season outside of Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney and Montgomery as the “Big Three?”

Maybe Fields answers that question using his arm and legs as the starter.