1. Foreman takes role as the lead running back
He’s done it twice in his career already, and he could have the opportunity to do it in Chicago. When given a high amount of attempts, Foreman has been dominant.
After McCaffrey got traded, he finished the season with five twenty-plus attempt games. In week 7 last year, he got 15 attempts, and put up 118 yards.
He followed that up in week 8 with 26 attempts, 118 yards, and 3 touchdowns. After those games, he rushed for 100-plus yards in three games the rest of the season including a dominant week 15 performance where he rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown.
It’s safe to say Foreman is capable of being a lead running back on a team. However, it’s unlikely he’ll get the attempt numbers he saw last year with the Panthers.
The Bears still have Khalil Herbert who’s proven himself as a solid running back. Herbert could end up taking a lot of the carries.
There is also a strong possibility that the Bears draft a running back come April. But if Foreman gets hot like he’s done in the past, he could end up leading the team in carries and establish himself as the lead running back.
2. Foreman plays a major role in split back field
The Bears could be heading the route of having three effective running backs. Nowadays it’s common when teams decide to have multiple guys take a portion of carries in the backfield.
The Eagles did a lot of that in their offense, using Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott a good amount. The Chiefs were similar in the beginning of the 2022 season with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerrick Mckinion, and Isiah Pacheco.
The Bears have Foreman and Herbert already, and it’s likely general manager Ryan Poles will pick one up in the later rounds of the Draft.
Having an effective three person backfield is extremely beneficial. One player doesn’t have to take a beating the whole game. A running back with fresh legs late in games can cause a lot of damage to tired defenses.
This is a perfect role for D’Onta Foreman. In Tennessee and Carolina, Foreman had to step up and take a majority of the carries.
With Khalil Herbert and a new rookie, less wear and tear would be put on Foreman. He doesn’t have to be “the guy” at the position and can still play a major role in the Bears running game alongside two other backs.
3. D’Onta Foreman gets limited carries
Khalil Herbert has shown a ton of potential during his first two years with the Bears. With David Montgomery gone, it’s possible that Herbert gets a majority of the carries during the beginning of the season.
We’ve also seen a lot of late round running backs be impressive right away. If the Bears go that route early, it could mean less carries for Foreman. He also didn’t play a huge factor in the receiving game throughout his career. Herbert is more elusive in the passing game, and not to mention new addition Travis Homer will likely be taking snaps on 3rd downs.
While Foreman has been productive in recent years, he’s no stranger to being a backup. In his first three years in the league, he only played in 16 games.
It’s all going to depend on if the Bears draft someone at the position, and if Khalil Herbert takes a workhorse running back role.
If Foreman ends up getting a little lost in the shuffle, it’s not the end of the world. He’s one play away from doing what he does best in stepping in and being productive. Foreman can make sure he gets carries by having a good camp and playing well in the preseason.
Those three scenarios are realistic. One thing is certain, D’Onta Foreman was a good signing by Ryan Poles. Whether he ends up being the lead running back, or gets limited carries, we know Foreman has the ability to help the Bears win in 2023.