The Chicago Bears were the NFL’s top ranked rushing offense last season. And while they got off to a bit of a slow start this year, they’re once again a top five unit in the league.
The Bears are averaging 141.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the NFL. But they’ve really hit their stride over the past four games, averaging 171 rushing yards per game. They’ve rushed for 171 yards (Broncos), 178 yards (Commanders), 162 yards (Vikings) and 173 yards (Raiders).
It’s made all the more impressive considering Chicago has been without its top two running backs in the past two games. Khalil Herbert landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury while rookie Roschon Johnson has been dealing with a concussion.
But veteran D’Onta Foreman has more than stepped up in their absence. After being inactive for four straight games, Foreman has been a reliable force on the ground with 31 rushes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaged 5.0 yards per carry.
Foreman’s best game came in Week 7, where the team leaned on him and Darrynton Evans with undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent making his first NFL start. Foreman accounted for 120 total yards (89 rushing, 31 receiving) and three total touchdowns, while averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
With Johnson slated to return this week against the Raiders — and Herbert expected to return in a few weeks — things could get interesting in the running back room. There are plenty of capable backs — now it’s about spreading the wealth.