3. The Chicago Bears did not give Khalil Herbert the same work after his injury
When Khalil Herbert left with an injury in week five he was the lead back. However, after missing five games, it has taken him more than two games to get back into the swing of things.
In the first five games of the season, Herbert played 59% of the snaps and had 43% of the rushing attempts. He also ran 46% of the routes. In the two games since his return, he played just 33% of the snaps, with 31% of the rushing attempts and 27% of the routes run.
It made sense to ease him back in week 11, and D’onta Foreman was the hot hand. However, in week 12, they rode with Roschon Johnson, and Herbert actually played fewer snaps.
It may be because he does not look all the way back. Herbert is an explosive back who looks like he may lack some explosion. Since his return, he has had 22 carries for 59 yards. After 16 carries for 35 yards in his return, Chicago decided to ease him back and let the bye week help his return. Is Herbert too hurt to contribute, or does he gain steam after the bye?