Evaluating the Impact of Khalil Herbert’s Injury on the Chicago Bears: Latest News and Updates

Khalil Herbert Injury Update: Latest News Surrounding Chicago Bears Running Back

October 6, 2023 | 10:25 AM EDT

Thursday night’s game between the Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders proved to be a painful one for the Bears’ running backs. Roschon Johnson was ruled out of the game with a concussion, and later in the game, Khalil Herbert suffered an ankle injury that forced him out of the game. With the current NFL standings, team depth charts, and coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, let’s dive into the latest updates on Khalil Herbert’s injury.

Herbert’s Injury and Evaluation

During the game against the Commanders, Herbert injured his ankle when his right leg got pinned under him while trying to catch a third-down pass from Bears quarterback Justin Fields. He was able to walk off the field under his own power and immediately went to the medical tent for an evaluation. After a brief assessment, he attempted jogging on the sidelines to work out the issue that was bothering him.

Although Herbert briefly returned to the game, it was evident that he wasn’t physically right. The Bears listed him as questionable to return, but ultimately, his night was over. Bears coach Matt Eberflus had no immediate update on Herbert’s condition after the game, stating that he needed to speak with the trainers for more details.

Herbert’s Outlook

Herbert had entered the game with 196 rushing yards on 41 carries, making him a significant contributor to the Bears’ offense. The fact that he got injured less than an hour after Johnson, his primary backup, was ruled out with a concussion only added to the Bears’ concerns about their running back depth.

Early Friday morning, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Herbert said he was “fine” following the ankle injury. Although he didn’t disclose the nature of the injury, he admitted that it looked bad. While this may provide some optimism for Bears fans, the true extent of Herbert’s injury and his availability for future games remain uncertain.

Fantasy Impact

If Herbert is unable to return in upcoming games, the Bears’ backfield will face significant challenges, especially considering Johnson’s absence due to a concussion. Travis Homer, who is also dealing with a hamstring injury, is the only other active running back for the Bears. However, it seems unlikely that he would inherit a significant workload if Herbert is sidelined.

D’Onta Foreman, who has been inactive recently, could potentially step up and share the backfield responsibilities with Homer if Herbert and Johnson miss Week 6. Fortunately for the Bears, they have a 10-day break in between games, which could allow Johnson to recover from his concussion and return to the field.

Expert Analysis

PFN Fantasy Director Kyle Yates suggests that D’Onta Foreman could be a viable option if Herbert and Johnson are unable to play in Week 6. Yates also points out the importance of having a healthy backfield depth chart and suggests that the Bears should consider addressing this issue to ensure they have a reliable running back rotation.

It remains to be seen how Khalil Herbert’s injury will pan out, but it is clear that the Bears will need to carefully manage their running back situation. With Johnson’s concussion and Herbert’s ankle injury, the team’s depth at this position becomes a concern. The long-term health and availability of both players will play a crucial role in determining how the Bears’ backfield will be managed moving forward.

As always, stay tuned for further updates on Khalil Herbert’s injury and how it could impact the Chicago Bears as they navigate through the NFL season.