Chicago Bears could be getting this big addition back in lineup
When David Montgomery went down with a lower-body injury, a lot of fans immediately saw a worst-case scenario flash through their heads. However, an injury that had fans worried about anything up to an ACL tear turned out to be an ankle sprain, and possibly a minor one. The Chicago Bears are quiet about injuries, but at least made a statement when they did not place him on the injured reserve.
While Montgomery missed most of the game in which he got hurt, and the following week, he has a chance to immediately return to the lineup after just a one-week absence. Montgomery has been limited for the past two days and has been listed as questionable.
While that should make him a lock to play next week, it also gives him a decent shot to play on Sunday. One thing we know about David Montgomery is that he is going to tough it out and come back as soon as possible. The only thing holding him back from playing this week is likely the coaching staff wanting to give him that extra time.
Still, at the same time, if they feel that this injury does not have a strong reoccurrence rate, the two limited practices could be enough to clear him to play on Sunday.
Some may say that the Chicago Bears do not need Montgomery this week and that they have been fine with Khalil Herbert. However, while Herbert has produced from the fantasy lens, the Chicago Bears as a team are better when they have both.
Herbert is their big-play hitter but is not the grinder or the power back. Montgomery handles that role and is better at pass protection. So, the poor qualities of Herbert are not exposed when Montgomery is healthy. The return of Montgomery will keep Herbert efficient, but it will have some fantasy football players disappointed.
Beyond that, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense is a perfect defense to run against. They rank 26th in adjusted line yards, and 26th in EPA allowed on the ground. We know that the Chicago Bears will run the ball if they are given the chance, and Minnesota has a defense that can make that happen.
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With that in mind, the team may want to have both backs to lean on, as it may be a game where both of them end up with 15 carries. It should not be surprising if Montgomery does come in, but the time share is a bit closer to 50/50 for a week.