LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Not only have the Bears finally established an efficient and reliable running game, they quietly boast one of the top rushing offenses in the NFL this season.
Through Week 8, the Bears rank fifth in averaging 136.6 rushing yards per game. The Browns, whose backfield includes Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, lead the NFL with 161.1 rushing yards per game. While the Bears' league-worst passing game has struggled mightily, they're pressing forward with a running identity built around rookie quarterback Justin Fields and their backfield.
The Bears are preparing for a significant boost with the return of top running back David Montgomery, who took the practice field at Halas Hall on Thursday for the first time since suffering a left knee sprain on Oct. 3. By officially designating him for a return from injured reserve, the Bears have 21 days to activate Montgomery.
Montgomery could return as soon as Monday, when the Bears (3-5) visit the Steelers (4-3). He would add to a running game that has recently been led by rookie running back Khalil Herbert and Fields.
"We'll work through all that if it gets to that point," coach Matt Nagy said of Montgomery's looming return. "David has worked extremely hard to be the running back on this football team and be the guy.
"If anything, it allows us to feel really strong at that position and be able to lose them both."
A sixth-round pick of the Bears last spring, Herbert has rushed 81 times for 351 yards and a touchdown while also proving to be a viable target out of the backfield. He's averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season.
The Bears have rushed for more than 100 yards as a team in each of the four games since Montgomery landed on injured reserve. Herbert has been a key part in sustaining that success.
"It's not anything you ever planned for, but you always have to stay ready just in case," Herbert said. "It's a blessing to be able to have the opportunity to go out there and do what I can do."
As the Bears prepare for the Steelers, they can look to a different AFC North team as an example for how the rushing game can be the staple of an offense. In 2020, the Ravens led the NFL with 3,071 rushing yards, with dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson running for 1,005 yards. Baltimore also received significant contributions from running backs J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Mark Ingram -- all while catering to Jackson's dual-threat strengths by getting him outside the pocket.
It's what the Bears are aspiring to do with Fields, who was 4-of-4 for 40 yards and a touchdown on designed rollouts last Sunday while adding 89 of his 104 rushing yards on scrambles.
"I thought he played fast," receiver Allen Robinson said of Fields. "I thought he made quick decisions. You can just tell as far as how he's moving out there, moving around and what he's seeing, that he's getting more comfortable and gaining more confidence."
Judging by Nagy's recent comments, Montgomery is expected to lead the Bears' backfield in carries moving forward. But this is an offense that's now focused on what best suits Fields – and that includes a strong rushing attack that helps make Fields more dangerous.
The Bears will gladly welcome the return of Montgomery to a suddenly more crowded, consistent running game.
"I wouldn't call it a problem," Nagy said. "But it's something good for us to be able to have."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
