The Chicago Bears are 3-0 after another insane comeback over the Atlanta Falcons. Sadly this one came at a steeper price. Their prized utility running back and punt returner Tarik Cohen left the game with what looked like a significant lower body injury. Not long after the game ended it was reported the team feared he had suffered a torn ACL. An injury that would end his season.
Teammates are mourning the loss but the Bears can’t afford to dwell on it too long. They have to move forward. The big question for many is who will they get to fill that void in the backfield? There are a number of ways GM Ryan Pace could go. They might look to elevate somebody from the Bears practice squad, poach a player from another team’s, or sign a veteran free agent.
Here are some names that are worth watching over the next couple of days.
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Options available to the Bears with Tarik Cohen out
In-house:
Artavis Pierce – The Bears didn’t make any significant moves in free agency despite questions about their depth. A big reason why was the presence of this undrafted rookie. Both scouts and coaches sang his praises all throughout the offseason. Buzz from training camp was he looked good and improved as practices went along. His versatile skill set falls along the same line as Cohen’s did, so it would make sense for the team to give him the first opportunity.
Free agents:
Lamar Miller – Before a knee injury ended his 2019 season before it began, Miller had produced five-straight seasons of over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. The last year he played he went to the Pro Bowl. While not young at 29-years old, he should have some gas left in the tank. Catching passes out of the backfield isn’t an issue. Miller has four seasons of at least 30 catches in his career.
Spencer Ware – In situations like this, Matt Nagy has a tendency to lean on the familiar for help. He was the offensive coordinator for Kansas City in 2016 when Ware had the best season of his career, rushing for 921 yards and catching 33 passes for 447. Despite being around for what feels like forever, he’s only 28-years old. That connection with Nagy and his knowledge of this offense could be a nice fit.
Practice squads:
Theo Riddick (Raiders) – The Bears should have plenty of knowledge about Riddick. He spent six seasons as a rotational back for the Detroit Lions. While never a standout runner, he was a legitimate weapon in the passing game, making 285 catches for 2,238 yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s not as complete as Cohen was, but he’d bring a lot of what he was best at.
Kerrith Whyte (Lions) – This would be rather ironic. A year ago the Bears stashed Whyte on their own practice squad only to see him get plucked by the Pittsburgh Steelers. A year later he ends up with the Lions and is now awaiting his next opportunity. How fitting would it be for the Bears to bring their former 7th round pick back the same way he left? The speed and versatility make him an enticing option and at a cheap price.
Wendell Smallwood (Steelers) – Speaking of the Steelers, they’ve got another interesting running back tucked away on their squad. Smallwood made a name for himself with the Philadelphia Eagles. Though trapped in what was a crowded backfield, he still found moments to stand out. Most of the time as receiver. Bears fans might remember his 22-yard grab in the wild card playoff game two years ago. His connection to Nick Foles might actually serve him well.