Tag: David Montgomery

5 takeaways from Bears’ initial 53-man roster

The Bears trimmed their roster down to 53 on Saturday. There weren’t any big surprises, but here are our takeaways from the initial roster.

The oddest training camp and preseason in recent NFL history concluded this weekend as all 32 NFL teams trimmed their rosters down to the final 53. The Chicago Bears were one of the final teams to officially announce their final roster, as is tradition over the last few seasons.

While there were truly no shocking cuts or transactions, the movement we saw so far paints a pretty clear picture as to what the Bears saw over the last month. Here are my takeaways from the team’s final cuts.

1. No undrafted rookie free agents made the team

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

As I said, this was the preseason in a very long considering no fans were allowed in attendance for any Bears practices and there were no preseason games either. That meant none of the undrafted rookie free agents (UDFAs) the Bears signed after the draft could showcase their skills against opposing NFL players. It was clearly a problem because after final cuts, no rookie UDFA made the team.

Guys like running back Artavis Pierce, and outside linebacker Ledarius Mack, two of the most-hyped players coming into camp, are now left with very little NFL tape and a ton of uncertainty following the Labor Day Weekend. This likely isn’t an issue just for the Bears, as other teams likely had difficulty keeping those players on the roster with little to judge them on. Here’s hoping all seven UDFAs find work elsewhere.

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Cordarrelle Patterson ready to play wherever Bears need him

One of the Bears’ biggest playmakers Cordarrelle Patterson is about to get an increased workload on offense this season.

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One of the Chicago Bears’ biggest playmakers is about to get an increased workload on offense this season. Versatile weapon Cordarrelle Patterson has been getting looks at running back during training camp.

Patterson has found success as a kick returner and wide receiver, and he’s prepared to play wherever the Bears need him to contribute, including running back.

“I’m a full-time whatever-coach-needs-me-to-be,” Patterson said, via ChicagoBears.com. “Anytime I’m out there on the field, I’m a full-time whatever. I don’t limit myself on the football field. Whatever coach needs me to do, I’m going to do—safety, running back, right guard, left guard—it doesn’t matter. I just want to be out there on the football field helping my team win.”

With starter David Montgomery sidelined with a groin injury for the next 2-4 weeks, the Bears could certainly lean on Patterson to create the kind of explosive plays that he’s been known for. In fact, it wouldn’t be the first time he stepped in for an injured starter.

Patterson had success at running back in lieu of an injured Sony Michel, where he started two straight games for the New England Patriots in 2018. Patterson combined for 99 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown in two wins.

That’s the same kind of success that the running backs coach Charles London believes could have an impact at running back for the Bears.

“When we were evaluating him, we went back and watched all the touches he’s had at running back in his entire career,” London said. “You see an explosive player. You see a big player. You see a guy who can outrun guys. You see a guy that’s hard to tackle. I think a lot of the traits you see with him as a running back, you see with him on kickoff return as well.

“We’re pleased with where he’s at. A lot of it is new to him. He’s never been asked to do some of this stuff before. I know he’s excited about it, and he’s been doing a good job.”

But transitioning to a entirely new position is easier said than done. There’s definitely some . But London believes Patterson will make that transition.

“I think it’s going to work because he wants it to work,” London said. “He’s really excited about this. He knows how he can help the team in this spot. He’s worked hard in the offseason to learn the offense and to learn the intricacies of being a running back and what he has to do. He’s learning protections and doing everything the rest of the guys are doing. I just think as time goes on and he gets more and more comfortable, you’re going to see a more and more explosive player.”

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Bears sign RB Napoleon Maxwell, place CB Michael Joseph on IR

The Bears made some roster moves Monday morning, re-signing rookie RB Napoleon Maxwell and placing CB Michael Joseph on injured reserve.

The Chicago Bears made some roster moves Monday morning, re-signing undrafted rookie running back Napoleon Maxwell and placing cornerback Michael Joseph on injured reserve.

Maxwell originally signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Florida International. But he was waived Aug. 2 as part of roster cut-downs. Now, Maxwell returns to Chicago as depth concerns continue to loom.

Starting running back David Montgomery suffered a groin injury in practice last Wednesday. He’s expected to miss 2-4 weeks with the injury, but there’s still a chance that he’ll be ready for the season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13. Although, the Bears certainly don’t want to rush him back.

The Bears haven’t made any moves in free agency with Montgomery’s uncertainty, which could indicate that they’re prepared to trudge on without him for the short time he’s expected to miss. While Tarik Cohen is a proven player, he’s more of a gadget player than a three-down back. The Bears do have former Oregon State teammates Ryan Nall and Artavis Pierce on the roster, and it’s possible they could see some time.

As for Joseph, Chicago’s bad luck with cornerback injuries continues. Following injuries to Tre Roberson and Artie Burns, that leaves rookie Jaylon Johnson and Kevin Toliver to battle for the starting right cornerback spot opposite two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller.

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David Montgomery expected to miss 2-4 weeks with groin injury

There is some encouraging news regarding running back David Montgomery, who left Wednesday’s practice with a groin strain.

There is some encouraging news regarding running back David Montgomery, who left Wednesday’s practice with a groin strain. While not ideal, it doesn’t sound like he’s going to miss significant time.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Montgomery is expected to miss two to four weeks with that groin injury. Given that we’re just under three weeks out of the season opener against the Detroit Lions, that means there’s a possibility that Montgomery could be ready in time for Week 1 — although don’t expect the Bears to rush him back.

There has been criticism regarding the Bears’ running back situation, specifically when it pertains to depth behind Montgomery and gadget player Tarik Cohen. The Bears don’t have a proven running back behind Montgomery that can back him up. They have two inexperienced guys in Ryan Nall and undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see general manager Ryan Pace go out and sign a veteran in free agency.

“(General manager) Ryan (Pace) and I aren’t there yet just because we don’t know,” Nagy said Wednesday. “You try to stay as positive as you can. You don’t know, really, what the answer is and where things are.

“Again, we talk about contingency. This is the year of the contingency, so now this is one without COVID as an injury. What are our options? Do we like where we’re at right now, or do we feel like we need to go outside of the building? That’s all stuff that we’ll discuss.”

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Bears RB David Montgomery carted off field with non-contact injury

The Bears suffered a blow to their offense on Wednesday as running back David Montgomery left practice with a significant injury to his leg.

The Chicago Bears suffered a significant blow to their offense on Wednesday as running back David Montgomery left practice on a cart after suffering a non-contact injury to his leg, according to multiple Bears beat reporters.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports Montgomery took a handoff and immediately went to the ground when he attempted to cut upfield. Bears head coach Matt Nagy is expected to provide an update later this afternoon.

According to SiriusXM NFL Insider Adam Caplan, the Bears do not believe the injury is to Montgomery’s knee.

Montgomery, heading into his second season, was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. The former Cyclone flashed in spurts as the team’s bellcow, rushing for 889 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie season.

Keep checking Bears Wire for more updates as this story develops.

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Bears RB David Montgomery might’ve avoided serious injury

Bears RB David Montgomery was carted off following a non-contact injury during Wednesday’s practice. It’s believed to be a groin strain.

One of the biggest issues in the Chicago Bears roster was the depth behind running back David Montgomery, but now they might be missing their second year running back due to an injury suffered in Monday’s practice.

Montgomery suffered the injury on receiving a handoff from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, then would be walk off the field on his own power. The team believes it’s not a knee injury, but it still raises concern for other areas.

After practice head coach Matt Nagy took the podium and said Montgomery suffered a groin strain, but are waiting for further testing. Still, it sounds like Montgomery could’ve avoided a serious injury.

Available free agents that the Bears could express interest in are Devonta Freeman, Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, Jeremy Hill, Spencer Ware, Javorious Allen, Kenneth Dixon, Bilal Powell, C.J. Prosise, Tra Carson, and Jon Hilliman.

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WATCH: Highlights from Bears’ training camp scrimmage

The Bears released highlights from their Saturday scrimmage, which featured some impressive plays both by offense and defense.

The Chicago Bears were supposed to be playing the Denver Broncos in their second preseason game last Saturday. Instead, the Bears held their first scrimmage of the season, which kicked things up a notch.

Most of the practice was 11-on-11 action, which provided an opportunity for quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles to take a lead in the quarterback competition. Which neither did. But there were certainly some impressive plays both from the offense and defense.

The Bears released some highlights from Saturday’s scrimmage, which included that Trubisky to Jesper Horsted throw that Matt Nagy had raved about, running back David Montgomery cranking up the speed, the tight ends continued to impress, as well as the first interception of training camp when cornerback Michael Joseph picked off Foles.

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Bears offensive triplets rank among worst in the NFL

Following a season where they ranked among the worst in the NFL, there’s not a lot of faith in the Bears offense.

There’s not a lot of faith in the Chicago Bears offense. And following a season where they ranked among the worst in the NFL in many offensive categories, it’s understandable.

NFL.com’s Ali Bhanpuri ranked every team’s offensive triplets — quarterback, running back and receiver — heading into 2020. And, as you might guess, the Bears weren’t particularly high. In fact, they ranked 30th ahead of only the Washington Redskins and New York Jets.

Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky — Rank: T-30 (One game: 31 | 2020 prod.: 31)

Running back: David Montgomery — Rank: 27

Pass catcher: Allen Robinson — Rank: 9

That the Bears wound up paying Nick Foles $21 million fully guaranteed and coughing up a fourth-round pick during the same period in which the New England Patriots committed just $550,000 to Cam Newton makes me want to bury my feelings in some air-mailed Lou’s. I picked Trubisky over Foles in this exercise not because the former is a better player, but because I think the Bears will give their 2017 first-rounder every opportunity to save his job. (It’s already starting.)

One way that might be possible: Lean on the most unheralded receiver in the league. Hard to think of an active elite wideout outside DeAndre Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald (both of whom hit QB gold later in their careers) who has worked with a more troubling collection of quarterbacks than Robinson (See: Blake Bortles, Chase Daniel, Chad Henne, Mitchell Trubisky). Yet, somehow, he’s managed the 15th-highest yards-per-game mark (66.0) of any receiver since 2014 (min. 300 receptions). Ryan Pace, please pay him.

Montgomery was one of the least efficient running backs in the NFL last year, tying Le’Veon Bell for the second-fewest scrimmage yards per touch (4.0, a tick higher than Sony Michel’s 3.9, among those with a minimum of 200 touches). The second-year RB will have to be the breakout candidate my colleague Maurice Jones-Drew expects him to be for the Bears to have a shot at the playoffs.

Receiver Allen Robinson has been Chicago’s most consistent offensive player, but even he wasn’t enough to pull the Bears from near the bottom of this list. With Robinson heading into a contract year, they’ll once again be leaning on him to be that playmaker that this offense needs.

Outside of Robinson, there are certainly questions surrounding the Bears offense heading into 2020. That starts with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who regressed in his third season. Which prompted general manager Ryan Pace to trade for veteran Nick Foles, who is battling Trubisky for the starting job. But with just training camp reps to go off, Trubisky does have a slight advantage in this competition. And his future in Chicago hinges on whether he can take advantage of that.

But another reason for the offense’s struggles last season was the ineffectiveness of the run game. Rookie running back David Montgomery had a solid season, but the lack of an established run game made it difficult for the Bears’ offense to accomplish much, especially given questionable quarterback play.

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Cordarrelle Patterson meeting with RBs, not WRs​ at Bears camp

There are questions about RB depth behind David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. But Matt Nagy has WR Cordarrelle Patterson working with RBs.

The running back group for the Chicago Bears has been under some criticism due to the lack of depth behind David Montgomery and with Tarik Cohen being more of a receiving back.

Some were hoping that the Bears would sign a veteran in free agency or hoping for an undrafted free agent to make some noise in training camp, but head coach Matt Nagy is getting creative.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported Friday on “Inside Training Camp Live” that the Bears are planning for Cordarrelle Patterson to be used more as a running back this season.

“Patterson has been in meetings with the running backs — not with the wide receivers,” said Garafolo. “When they signed him to a two-year, $10 million deal before last season, they really had visions of using him creatively.”

Last season, the 29-year old carried the ball 17 times for 103 yards. In Patterson’s seven-year career, he has 103 carries for 785 yards with seven touchdowns.

The Bears wide receiving room is crowded as it consists of Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Ted Ginn Jr., Javon Wims, Darnell Mooney, and Riley Ridley. While the running backs consist of Montgomery, Patterson, Cohen, Ryan Nall, and undrafted free agent Artavis Pierce.

Patterson could still get some targets either split out wide or in the backfield. But with how the receiving group is shaping up to be, Patterson probably wasn’t going to haul in as many receptions compared to what he could get in rushing attempts.

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ESPN lacks faith in Bears running back depth in 2020

ESPN named the Bears running backs group as the shakiest in the NFL, given the lack of depth behind David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen.

During an offseason where the Chicago Bears made some notable additions at positions of need on offense, including quarterback and tight end, it’s the running back position that was ignored and remains a concern heading into the 2020 season.

ESPN took a look at every running back group in the NFL, and they believe the Bears have the shakiest running back situation. Which makes a little sense given the lack of depth behind David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen.

This is one of the situations where “it’s all relative” really comes into play. Could David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen put together a solid or exceptional season? Absolutely. However, it’s not hard to identify more proven and effective backs on the other 31 rosters. Montgomery underwhelmed on 267 touches as a third-round rookie last season, whereas Cohen posted atrocious yardage numbers on a per-carry (3.3) and per-target (4.4) basis. Furthermore, Chicago’s depth is also arguably weakest in the league.

There’s a ton of hype surrounding Montgomery heading into his second season. And it’s easy to see why. He had 889 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He also added 25 receptions for 185 yards and a score. Montgomery surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards as a rookie.

That despite the overall struggles of the run game, including the offensive line and Matt Nagy’s aversion to the run. Montgomery hasn’t gotten a fair shake, which will certainly change in 2020 given the increased focus that’s been placed on finding a balance on offense.

Any concerns from the run game don’t stem from Montgomery or Cohen. Rather, the lack of depth behind them. Two unproven players in Ryan Nall and undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce will battle for the third running back spot, which will ultimately serve as Montgomery’s backup.

The Bears would do well to bring in a veteran running back to compete for that third spot. But, at least at this point, they seem content with the options on the roster.

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