5 Chicago Bears players who deserve more action in preseason
By Joseph Herff
Chicago Bears Player No. 3: Artavis Pierce, Running Back
The Chicago Bears had virtually no running back depth last season. After David Montgomery, we saw a backfield deploying Cordarrelle Patterson, Lamar Miller, Ryan Nall, and rookie undrafted free agent Artavis Pierce. So, this offseason, the Bears added Damien Williams and drafted Khalil Herbert. In doing so, they created massive competition at running back.
With Tarik Cohen returning as well, it seems like the Bears will finally move on from Nall and will have to depart with C.J. Marable and Artavis Pierce. Pierce hasn’t made that easy though. He flashed a bit last season in his limited playing time averaging 5.7 yards per carry and registering a touchdown. He showed that same flash at Oregon State in which he broke the record for yards per carry over a career.
Pierce has the ability to run between the tackles and catch passes outside. He does this with his speed, vision, and explosiveness. He has demonstrated that as well both at training camp and in the preseason as he broke off a 51-yard run when he got his chance. He deserves more action with Fields and not Foles.
It’s hard to warrant a cut for Pierce, but there truly isn’t a place for him. Herbert has the draft capital to back him up and has frankly looked better. Additionally, he will likely return kicks. Damien Williams brings the veteran presence. If Cohen is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list, then maybe Pierce makes the active roster, but that’s the only way he can make it.