NEWSLETTER
Lamar Miller has been on the Bears’ practice squad for nearly a month-and-a-half, but his time on the active roster appears to be on the horizon.
Or at minimum, at least it’s being considered:
More on the Bears' backfield reshuffling soon. But with Montgomery out for Monday, Matt Nagy said it's a possibility Lamar Miller could be promoted from the practice squad. "It’s something we’re definitely looking into."
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) November 14, 2020
Matt Nagy said of Lamar Miller: "When he was playing at his highest level, he was one of the best running backs in the NFL. … There's an excitement of the possibility of him being able to fill a role for us. I do love those stories."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 14, 2020
With David Montgomery ruled out with a concussion and Tarik Cohen on IR, the Bears’ running backs room is being stretched thin. Cordarrelle Patterson is the next-man-up on the depth chart, but isn’t a traditional every-down back. Artavis Pierce and Ryan Nall sit behind Patterson on the depth chart, but neither Oregon State product has significant pro reps under their belts at this point in their respective careers. Heck, Pierce doesn’t even have a carry as a pro. Meanwhile, Nall has just two. Hence, the possibility of the Bears turning to Miller exists (despite the fact that he hasn’t played a regular-season down since 2018).
What makes Miller an enticing option is that he has two 1,000-yard rushing seasons on his résumé. Quality experience is something the depth chart was missing and that Miller could presumably bring. Miller, 29, also has a history with Bears Running Backs Coach Charles London (who coached him in Houston) and new play-caller Bill Lazor (who had him in Miami). Familiarity could be useful if called upon in a pinch on Monday. But Miller suffered an ACL injury in the third preseason game before the 2019 season and hasn’t taken a carry in more than 14 months. So with that in mind, I want to temper expectations should the Bears go through with the promotion.
Because of a provision in the new CBA, teams can promote two players from the practice squad and max out the game-day roster at 55. Considering the Bears’ backfield needs, Miller should be in consideration for activation. Because if not now, then when?
