Chicago Bears activate Lamar Miller, but does it even matter?

The Chicago Bears will have a brand-new running back for Monday Night Football in Lamar Miller, but will it even matter in the end?

Monday Night Football will be a make-or-break game for the Chicago Bears. At 5-4, the Bears are looking at a potentially fourth-straight loss and on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff race.

On one hand, the Bears are going into this game with a significant disadvantage. The offensive line is in shambles and play-calling duties were just handed over to Bill Lazor due to the incompetence shown by Matt Nagy. Minnesota is feeling a bit of momentum swinging their way with plenty of season left to go, especially since Dalvin Cook has been outer-worldly after his return from injury.

There is much reason to believe the Bears lose this game. But, on the other hand, the unknown of what Lazor can do in terms of play-calling is an intriguing proposition. If Lazor proves he can change things up for the positive and take advantage of the Vikings’ 27th ranked passing defense, maybe Nick Foles can begin a little streak of his own.

No matter how it plays out, the Bears will need to do something with the running game. They have to play Monday night’s game without starter David Montgomery, and with Tarik Cohen obviously unavailable, it was looking as though Cordarrelle Patterson was going to take the bulk of the work, along with Ryan Nall sprinkled in.

Finally, though, we have gotten the news Bears fans have been longing for over the past few days.

Former Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller was released from New England earlier this year after never making it past their practice squad. It may prove to be the Bears’ biggest benefit of this 2020 season, as plenty has gone wrong for them.

With. Miller activated, the Bears now have a true prototypical running back to use. However, just how much he will be used remains to be seen.

The Bears’ coaching staff, led by Nagy, has been awfully secretive this year. They haven’t given anything away to the media or fans all season long — much to the fans’ dismay.

Miller could see a handful of touches, or he could be their primary back. Nobody knows. But, what we do know, is that the Bears are going up against a vulnerable Minnesota defense. Lazor has his chance to shine on Monday night, and if Miller is healthy, Lazor would be smart to implement him early and often.

He has ran for over 1,000 yards twice in his career and for two different teams, while catching at least 30 passes in four seasons. He’s a true every-down back and the Bears should do everything they can to use him as such.

If Chicago trots out Nall and Patterson more often than not on Monday though, which is a real possibility, fans can wave goodbye to the 2020 campaign.