One Chicago Bears player who locked up a roster spot after the Hall of Fame game

One Chicago Bears player who seemed to be cast aside this offseason was running back Khalil Herbert.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Bears, the team wasted no time in replacing Herbert as the primary running back with the signing of Pro-Bowl running back D'Andre Swift to a three-year deal at the start of free agency.

What is interesting about the Bear's decision to sign Swift is that it seemed to be driven by the fact that Swift is a better option in the passing game. In terms of rushing skills, the case can be made that Herbert is actually the better running back.

Despite trade speculation throughout the offseason, Herbert remained on the Bears' roster. Entering Training Camp as a bubble player in terms of potentially being a surprise cut, the playing time during the NFL's Hall of Fame game last week made it clear that the Bears were evaluating who would be the backup running back behind Swift.

Not only did Herbert outperform second-year running back Roschon Johnson, but he likely proved why he will be on the Bears' 53-man roster when the season starts. Herbert averaged 8.8 yards per carry last Thursday, and given Swift's injury history, it would be smart for the Bears to keep their former starting running back on the roster.

Khalil Herbert still has value in the Bears' backfield.

Where Johnson struggles as a running back is where Herbert thrives. Herbert has the ability to find the hole and there is not a hitch in his first movement toward the gap. Whereas, for Johnson, there seems to be consistent concern over his ability to keep his head up and use his vision to find space. While it's too early to give up on Johnson, last Thursday proved Herbert still belongs on the roster.