The Chicago Bears offense isn’t getting much in the way of good news lately. So anything that comes across as favorable to them is welcomed. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, expectations are that running back David Montgomery will return from his ankle injury to play in Minnesota. It’s a remarkably fast recovery by the fourth-year player, who only missed one game last week. The Bears aren’t going to complain. They need every able body they can get.
Some people will argue a running back won’t fix the primary issue. Passing the ball has haunted this team since the season began. That isn’t entirely true. Though known for his running prowess, Montgomery also had five catches for 38 yards in the first two games. On top of that, he is by far their best pass protector at his position. It was an ongoing complaint about Khalil Herbert whenever he was asked to pick up blitzes against the Giants and Texans. Montgomery should be a big help in keeping Justin Fields upright.
Per sources, the Bears are optimistic that RB David Montgomery will play Sunday against the Vikings. Montgomery is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s game.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) October 8, 2022
The Chicago Bears must adhere to their identity.
As much as they may want Fields to air it out in that dome, the Vikings’ pass rush is the strength of their team. Running the ball is what the Bears do best, and now they have both of their workhorses back together. Montgomery likes playing in Minnesota too. In two of the last three games he’s played there, he eclipsed 100 yards with three touchdowns. The Vikings haven’t been great at stopping the run most of the year, ranking 23rd in the league.
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Divisional games are often won by the team that sets the tone. If the Chicago Bears can deliver that first punch early, with Montgomery leading the way, it could put them in a good position to pull off an upset. The last thing they need is to get into a shootout with this opponent. They don’t have the firepower. Old school football might be dull and boring sometimes, but it can help underdog teams punch above their weight.
I hope he is 100% because, as things are, there is no reason to take any risk, at all, with any player’s heath. Folks are calling this a rebuild year. I think the rebuild starts next year. This is pre-rebuild.
That’s great news, even if he only gets a partial load. It still will force Minnesota to account for both he and Herbert. I have a feeling, hope, we’ll see some improvements again. Go Bears!
Monty is a horse! All heart