NEWSLETTER
Chicago seemed to be a sensible landing spot for running back Leonard Fournette after his release from Jacksonville. After all, the Bears could certainly use an upgrade at the position in the wake of David Montgomery’s groin injury even if the hope is to have him be back as early as Week 1 (a groin injury for a running back is not something to take lightly). So the Bears have a clear need and Fournette represented a fairly obvious solution.
But, it simply doesn’t seem to be in the cards:
Matt Nagy asked about Leonard Fournette becoming a free agent: "We feel very comfortable with where we're at. We explore everything…but I'll just say we really like where we're at right now with our running back room."
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) September 2, 2020
To hear Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy say he is comfortable with the team’s running back situation gives me pause. On the one hand, I’d hope a coach has the wherewithal to show confidence in his stable of backs in public. Otherwise, that’s an easy way to lose players’ trust in the position room. Then again, I find it challenging to be comfortable with a group that features two gadget players, three undrafted free agents, and minimal experience at the position. I’m not saying experience is everything, but it could help matters. (Michael: An optimist could see this as a sign that Montgomery is progressing well, though like Luis mentioned above, a groin injury is serious for a running back.)
Tarik Cohen and Cordarrelle Patterson can handle splitting carries and duties given certain situations. Ryan Nall has had some preseason flashes, but never against first-string talent who game-planned to stop him. Artavis Pierce has has a sold camp by all accounts, but is an undrafted rookie. Napoleon Maxwell just re-joined the team for depth purposes. I understand liking the in-house talent, but this group leaves much to be desired.
At least Nagy leaves an out when he says the team explores everything. Perhaps GM Ryan Pace and his staff will see the Bears’ situation and kick the tires on Fournette when it realizes the group could use another body to round out the room. However, based on Nagy’s assessment of the situation right now, I wouldn’t count on it.
