(670 The Score) With the Bears still seeking to establish a consistent ground game, they could soon boast a new option out of the backfield.
Veteran running back Lamar Miller joined the Bears' practice squad last week following a workout at Halas Hall. Miller, 29, was a Pro Bowl selection while playing for the Texans in 2018 before suffering a torn ACL and missing all of the 2019 season. Miller proved to the Bears in his workout that he was healthy, and Chicago stashed him on the practice squad during a short week.
The Bears return to their usual practice schedule Wednesday, at which point Miller will get the chance to work at full speed.
"If Lamar's healthy, he's an explosive player," said Bears running backs coach Charles London, who worked with Miller in Houston for two seasons. "The last true season he played, he was a Pro Bowl player. He's got a really diverse skill set -- in the run game, protection, pass. I'm looking forward to seeing him go out there and compete."
The next step for Miller is getting more acclimated with coach Matt Nagy's offense. After that occurs, he could soon be promoted to Chicago's active roster and factor into the Bears' running game. Miller boasts experience with London as well as offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, which could help him get up to speed.
Miller has averaged 4.3 yards per carry over seven NFL seasons. He rushed 210 times for 973 yards and five touchdowns in 2018 before suffering his ACL tear in a preseason game in August 2019, and his rehab lasted until late into this past summer.
The Bears are thin at running back after Tarik Cohen suffered a torn ACL on Sept. 27. Starter David Montgomery has 63 carries for 247 yards (3.9 yards per carry) in a limited workload across five games. Converted receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is the team's backup running back, and he has rushed 21 times for just 69 yards.
Patterson's 3.3 yards per carry are a career-low for a player who has averaged 6.9 yards per rush in his career. Behind Patterson is Ryan Nall, who has yet to take a handoff this season and rushed only twice in his career.
Nagy first needs to commit to a more consistent running game, and the Bears also need stability at running back. That's where Miller could come into play -- perhaps soon.
In Miller, the Bears have a proven option who could be the right complement.
"Lamar can bring another dimension," London said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.