Former New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell may be in the headlines following his release Tuesday night, but it’s Lamar Miller who has Chicago Bears coaches excited about the team’s running game.
Bears running backs coach Charles London spoke with the media Tuesday and said Chicago is looking forward to seeing how healthy Miller is and whether he can add some competition to the running back room.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him run around out there tomorrow, test the knee, get some confidence in it,” London said. “If Lamar’s healthy, he’s an explosive player. … He’s got a really diverse skill set in the run game, protection, the pass (game). So I look forward to seeing him go out there and competing.”
Miller was signed to the Bears practice squad Oct. 5 following Tarik Cohen’s season-ending ACL injury. He spent time with the New England Patriots during training camp but failed to make the final roster. Now, he’ll try to work his way into a running back rotation led by David Montgomery. Wide receiver-turned-running back Cordarrelle Patterson is currently the first option off the bench.
Miller earned a trip to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement in 2018 after rushing for 973 yards and five touchdowns in what was his last fully healthy season. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry that year.
Montgomery’s struggles over the last two games — he’s totaled 20 carries for 56 yards — could open the door for Miller to get some legitimate looks, although the offensive line’s failures will make it difficult for any running back to succeed regardless of their Pro Bowl resume.
The Bears travel to Carolina (3-2) to take on the Panthers and their struggling run defense in Week 6.