The Chicago Bears want to hit the ground running this season in every sense of the word. A good start is often imperative and beating the Detroit Lions in the opener won’t be a cake walk. Contributions will be needed from all three phases, especially the offense. One person they were hoping to have be a centerpiece of this was David Montgomery.
He had one of his better games in 2019 up in Detroit last season. This included 16 carries for 75 yards and two catches for 12 yards and a touchdown. His steadiness and difficult to bring down could help ease the pressure on whomever the quarterback ends up being. Now though it seems his status for the game is up in the air.
According to insider Adam Caplan, the belief is that while Montgomery’s recent groin injury isn’t severe, the timing of it still isn’t ideal. It’s possible the running back might try to play through it. However, based on what he understands the odds of him suiting up in Detroit are “doubtful” at this point in time.
Should Bears make a move to replace David Montgomery?
This is where the Bears are put in an awkward spot. Do they make a move in free agency to find a fill-in for Montgomery or do they gamble on being able to run the ball with what they have? Signing a notable veteran for basically a week of work isn’t logical. At the same time, it’s hard to feel good about a combination of Tarik Cohen, Ryan Nall, and Artavis Pierce being able to grind out an effective rushing attack.
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Cohen is more of a utility player than a full-fledged feature back. Nall has almost no experience in actual games. Pierce is an undrafted rookie. There is also Cordarrelle Patterson who is a converted wide receiver. None of those guys seems like the type who can grind out first downs and sustained drives on the road against a well-coached defense.
Thus far the team hasn’t made any sort of roster move. This suggests one of two things. Either they’re confident Montgomery will be able to play or they think this hodgepodge group has what it takes to make due for one game. Both sound like considerable gambles.
