The Week 5 victory over the Washington Commanders left the Chicago Bears thin at running back. Khalil Herbert was playing well. The interior of the offensive line actually made a difference as Teven Jenkins came back, although for only a limited number of snaps. Nate Davis is also starting to look like the player we expected after signing him in free agency. The offense has looked better over the last two weeks. Playing the Broncos' and Commanders' defense helps, but there are so many positive signs that fans should be excited about.
Unfortunately, things did not go well at the running back position for the Chicago Bears in Week 5. It started with Roschon Johnson who was ruled out with a concussion. Then, Khalil Herbert went down with an ankle injury. Travis Homer went down with a hamstring injury almost immediately after Herbert went down. The Chicago Bears were down to Khari Blasingame, their fullback, as their running back. Herbert attempted to come in but had to go back out of the game after his first rushing attempt. It was getting to the point when the Bears may have had to consider playing Velus Jones as RB.
Chicago Bears bring back running back, Darrynton Evans as news breaks that Khalil Herbert is expected to miss multiple weeks due to his ankle injury. This is tough news, but hopefully, Roschon Johnson doesn't miss too much time due to the concussion and can come back to take over the starting role. It is looking more likely that the Chicago Bears will need to rely on D'Onta Foreman in Week 6. Foreman was inactive vs. the Commanders, but with Herbert out, Roschon Johnson likely out and Travis Homer questionable, Foreman could be the lead option vs. the Vikings.
It's too soon to know for sure, but the long week could help with the running back group. The Chicago Bears brought Darrynton Evans back as an insurance policy. The Bears signed him off of the Miami Dolphins practice squad. I'll be honest, Khari Blasingame looked solid running out of the backfield last week -- at least for a fullback. However, I do feel better knowing that the Bears will have Foreman and possibly Evans available to take the bulk of the carries. Besides, the running game looks better when Blasingame is leading the way as the fullback.
Foreman has only seen snaps in Week 1 this season. He had five carries for 16 yards and caught two of three targets for eight yards. Evans played in six games for the Chicago Bears last season. He finished with 14 carries for 64 yards. He also caught his only target for 33 yards. The biggest key here might be that the Bears lost Johnson's ability to pass block. Foreman isn't the best at it, and that could lead to Evans seeing some playing time in Week 6 despite bouncing around multiple teams' practice squads and not seeing the field at this point in the season.
Justin Fields and the offense will continue to build on their last two performances. Will the running back injuries derail those efforts?