The Chicago Bears running back room caught the injury bug with David Montgomery placed on IR last week and backup Damien Williams landed on the COVID-19 reserve list. Rookie Khalil Herbert will look to fill the void left by both Montgomery and Williams this week after a strong performance on the ground last week against the Raiders.
Herbert, who rushed for 75 yards on 18 rushes last week, will look to improve on his impressive outing in this week’s matchup against the Packers. The rookie posted a 4.55 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and drew comparisons to Falcons running back Mike Davis for his small, muscular stature.
Khalil Herbert loves those cutback lanes… Packers LBs – can't overrun/fast flow this week pic.twitter.com/PFjL4xx1Rm
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 13, 2021
Herbert and the Bears have a solid matchup against a Packers team who are letting up 17 fantasy points per game against running backs this season. Herbert should see a majority of the snap share with the only competition being converted tight end Ryan Nall who has seen five rushing attempts over three years in the NFL.
Bears head coach Matt Nagy spoke highly of the rookie.
“You saw some really good times where he hit that zone and he stuck that right or left foot in the ground, planted it, and he went north and south and got 7, 8 yards every time,” Nagy said. “I like his vision. I like his patience. I also like his toughness, and you guys see it when he’s returning kickoffs. He’s smooth, and people bounce off him, so he’s got good contact balance.”
As long as the Bears can keep it close against their rival, Herbert should see plenty of opportunities throughout the game. With the potential increase as a pass catcher this week. Herbert should have a solid floor and be locked in as an RB2 in most leagues.
If you haven’t added him already Hebert is only rostered in 53% of Yahoo leagues and has a great chance to be a week winner for managers looking to fill the void left by Alvin Kamara’s bye week.
Herbert checks in at RB20 (+6 vs ECR) on The Wolf’s Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings.
