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The Chicago Bears lost starting running back David Montgomery to a knee/ankle injury in Week 3. Montgomery left the game in the middle of the first quarter and the team deemed him doubtful to return to the game, although he never did.
Montgomery has been Chicago's workhorse this season, handling 32 of 45 carries given to running backs by the Bears in Weeks 1 and 2 prior to his injury.
Backup running back Khalil Herbert played the remainder of his team's Week 3 win and had an extremely productive outing, which makes him an interesting waiver add heading into Week 4. That being said, fantasy managers won't know Montgomery's injury status until later in the week. In the meantime, should fantasy gamers add Khalil Herbert? Let's take a look.
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What Did Khalil Herbert Do In Week 3?
In relief of Montgomery, Herbert shredded the Texans in a Week 3 win, rushing 20 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 12 yards on two receptions.
Terrific blocking from the Bears to set up Khalil Herbert's 52-yard run. Cody Whitehair and Teven Jenkins helped seal that lane at the second level. pic.twitter.com/OjfIl7Jbp2
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) September 25, 2022
The injury to Montgomery also gave sixth-round rookie Trestan Ebner his first NFL game action as a breather back for Herbert. Ebner finished with seven carries for 23 yards and failed to corral his lone target.
#Bears RB Khalil Herbert's carry chart from Week 3: pic.twitter.com/bYUBr3Xn2C
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) September 25, 2022
Despite Ebner's presence, Herbert showed yet again that he can be a lead back in the NFL when called upon. Don't forget that Herbert was Chicago's lead back for four games in 2021 while Montgomery was injured. He rushed for 75, 97, 100, and 92 yards in those contests while adding a touchdown and nine receptions.
Should I Pickup Khalil Herbert Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?
Herbert has the potential to be a high-end RB2 in fantasy were he ever to see the majority of the carries in an NFL season. That being said, the Bears have been loyal to Montgomery as their lead back over the years. It would be a major surprise if they were to play Herbert over Montgomery when the latter is healthy.
That being said, the running back position in fantasy is such that a player with upside but who lacks a clear-cut role such as Herbert is a valuable commodity as a bench player.
After Sunday's game, Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that Montgomery's ankle is "good" and went on to call him day-to-day.
Matt Eberflus said the Bears still consider David Montgomery (ankle/knee) as day-to-day, meaning he still could play Sunday's game against the Giants.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) September 26, 2022
That sure doesn't sound like an extended absence for Montgomery, but Herbert is still worth a waiver add as an upside play in case Montgomery goes down again. Based on potential alone, Herbert is worth a priority waiver bid as one of the top free-agents in any league where he is available.
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