Chicago Bears rookie Khalil Henders keeps operating recreation alive without David Montgomery – Chicago Bears Weblog

LAKE FOREST, In poor health. — Khalil Herbert’s identify barely registered on draft weekend.

Herbert was the Bears’ 217th total pick in the sixth spherical from Virginia Tech. Herbert spent more time at his introductory information convention talking about how Herbert was born with six toes on the left foot and twelve fingers, two of which have been removed — rather than discussing what his function could be for the Bears.

It looked easy.

Herbert was the standout rusher for the Hokies last year (1,183 yards, eight touchdowns) as well as for Kansas in 2016-2019 (35 profession video game, 1,735 running yards, and 14 touchdowns). However, the Bears seemed to be the clear choice. David MontgomeryVeteran Damien WilliamsNot to be overlooked Tarik CohenThe patient is currently recovering from an ACL tear.

The Bears claimed Herbert was drafted primarily by them to help with kickoff return recreation.

Besides, Herbert’s rookie contributions of late have reached far past particular groups.

With Montgomery on injured reserve with a sprained knee since Week 5 and Williams battling thigh and knee accidents in addition to a spell on the reserve/COVID-19 record, Herbert has emerged as Chicago’s function again, grinding out robust yards at an ultra-impressive clip.

“He prepares like a professional. He makes the most of every opportunity. He’s not afraid to ask questions. “He is having fun playing soccer,” Bears operating-backs coach Michael Pitre stated last week. “I feel all these issues mixed and simply how he works, it is created an amazing alternative for him to step in and assist this soccer group.”

Because the Bears’ 20-9 Week 5 victory over the Raiders, Herbert has rushed for 344 yards — fourth most within the league over that span — and averaged 4.41 yards per carry. Herbert’s 78 attempts at dashing are second only to the Raiders. Tennessee TitansRestart the operation Derrick Henry.

“I actually really feel like the sport has begun to decelerate for me,” Herbert mentioned.

Typically it’s straightforward to confuse Herbert for Montgomery. Each run is blessed with a low center of gravity, which allows them both to blow up on the offensive line. Herbert, at 5’9 and 212 kilos has proven difficult to manage in the open subject area as well as tight areas near the road of Scrimmage.

“I really like that Herbert is a extremely fast decision-maker so when he makes selections and sticks a foot within the floor, hits it with that low-contact steadiness he is onerous to carry down,” Bears coach Matt Nagy mentioned. “So there’s not lots of destructive yards which is essential. That, combined with his increasing confidence will ensure that he is able to take every snap that he gets. His demeanor is simply amazing. He’s a group participant, not likely vocal or loud or something like that, however he is only a actually good operating again.”

“Khalil is only a man who has pure imaginative and prescient, but it surely’s all arrange with the opposite 10 guys on the sphere doing their jobs, which permits him to go do his job,” Pitre mentioned. Pitre said that he has a great really feel for the scheme. [and]What we do. The offensive line, tight end, receivers and all the other guys do an incredible job of blocking their tails. It makes it very easy for him to have the ability to do his job.”

Montgomery’s return is inevitable. Herbert may not get the majority the touches for as long, but the expertise gained during this stretch is priceless.

“Khalil can do all of it,” Bears heart Sam Mustipher mentioned. “Simply the way in which he runs behind his pads, his imaginative and prescient, his means to blow up by way of contact, his means to know his assignments. He simply runs actually onerous.”

Second-year tight finish Cole KmetThis sums it all up best.

“Khalil has been superior since he got here in … simply superior,” he mentioned.