The Chicago Bears have remained quiet at running back thus far in the wake of David Montgomery getting injured. A groin strain sidelined the second-year running back for the next 2-4 weeks. It’s uncertain whether he will be available for the opener against the Detroit Lions. So who will step in to replace him if he can’t go? Unless the team makes a move to find outside help, it’s like to be a committee approach of Tarik Cohen, Ryan Nall, and Cordarrelle Patterson. So what about Artavis Pierce?

Chicago signed the Oregon State product as an undrafted free agent in April. His final year there was productive with 1,042 yards from scrimmage and seven TDs. This included a career mark of 5.8 yards per carry which is a school record. Bears coaches seemed really high on him, feeling he had the skills to be a significant contributor in this offense. Is that just typical fluff talk?

Not necessarily. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune caught up with a national scout from another team. He feels Pierce has his flaw, but there are definite qualities that can help him have success in the NFL.

“He might really fit what they are doing there because when you look at the Oregon State system, they were heavy inside zone, a little outside zone, but they were a zone-based run game,” a national scout for another team said. “So he’s going to have a feel for what they’re asking him to do and he understands where the ball is supposed to hit. Not real big and he doesn’t break a lot of tackles. He’s not going to run through NFL defenders.

“He’s quicker than fast. I didn’t see the timed speed on tape. He plays more in the 4.5 range, which is fine. He’s got speed through the hole through to the second level, and that’s what is most important. He moves well laterally. But this kid isn’t going to break tackles like Montgomery. Not a pass catcher, at least how they utilized him. He might have a chance.”

Artavis Pierce can be dangerous if he gets blocking

In essence, Pierce is what one would call a system back. He isn’t that Ezekiel Elliott or Christian McCaffrey type of talent who can create magic by himself. He’s a guy who requires decent blocking up front to have a chance. If the offensive line provides some lanes, he has the vision, acceleration, and speed to get through them. Once he’s into the second level, that is where he can be at his most dangerous.

This is the great unknown with the Bears. Their offensive line was atrocious in run blocking last year. It’s hoped new line coach Juan Castillo can breathe some fire into them. The arrival of big and strong guard Germain Ifedi might help as well. Still, it is impossible to predict how that unit will perform. So one might have to set the expectations for Pierce somewhat low.