With running back David Montgomery sidelined for 4-5 weeks with a knee sprain, the Chicago Bears have been making some roster moves to accommodate his loss.
The Bears are bringing back running back Artavis Pierce to the practice squad, according to The Athletic‘s Kevin Fishbain. Pierce was a free agent and figures to rejoin given the opportunity for playing time.
That gives the Bears two running backs on the practice squad in Pierce and Ryan Nall, one of whom figures to be elevated to the active roster assuming Montgomery is placed on short-term injured reserve at some point within the next couple of days.
Artavis Pierce is returning to the Bears and signing with the practice squad, per source. He adds to the RB depth as everyone moves up a spot with David Montgomery out.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) October 5, 2021
With Montgomery sidelined, it’ll be Damien Williams and rookie Khalil Herbert getting the reps at running back, and they’re certainly solid depth. It’s not ideal to lose Montgomery, the team’s best offensive player, but it helps to have depth.
Chicago also traded for wide receiver Jakeem Grant, sending a 2023 sixth-round pick to the Dolphins in exchange. Grant figures to assume a big role on special teams, especially given Herbert’s role figures to serve mostly offense as Williams’ backup with Montgomery sidelined.