Chicago Bears News: Khalil Herbert to be activated from IR

The Chicago Bears are expected to activate running back Khalil Herbert off IR today in preparation for their game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Herbert suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Washington Commanders during the Bears’ Week 5 victory and was placed on IR the following week. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced on Friday that Herbert would be ready for Sunday’s game against the Lions.

Herbert’s return comes the very week that the Bears will be playing the running back he replaced, David Montgomery.

Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert will be active for the team’s game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday after being sidelined since Week 5.

It will be interesting how playing time is divided between the Bears’ running backs on Sunday.

D’Onta Foreman has been the starting running back in place of Herbert and has thrived. Foreman averaging over 4 yards per carry this season while totaling 367 rushing yards.

Foreman, however, is a non-factor regarding pass protection so that likely will lead to Herbert getting more playing time on Sunday. Rookie running back Roschon Johnson has often proven to be valuable in pass protection and is more of a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield than Herbert.

As was the case when Herbert was out and Bears’ offensive coordinator Luke Getsy opted to play all of the team’s active running backs, that likely will be the case on Sunday as Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson will all likely have a package of plays against the Lions.

In other injury news, quarterback Justin Fields was once a full participant in practice on Friday and was removed from the team’s injury report against the Lions. Fields is returning after missing the team’s previous four games while recovering from a dislocated right thumb injury.