The Chicago Bears’ running backs room has thinned out because of Tarik Cohen’s season-ending knee injury and David Montgomery’s concussion, but help is on the way.
Welcome back, Lamar Miller:
The #Bears plan to elevate veteran RB Lamar Miller from the practice squad for MNF, source said, his first action since tearing his ACL before the 2019 season. David Montgomery has been ruled out with a concussion.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2020
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweets the Bears are promoting Miller from the practice squad for Monday’s game. Teams can promote up to two practice squad players from the active roster, effectively turning the game-day roster to 55. Considering Chicago’s running woes and injury issues, the timing is right to elevate Miller.
Miller, 29, signed to practice squad in early October. But the Bears were cautious in bringing Miller along because of an ACL injury that caused him to miss 2019. But now Miller is up to speed and presumed to be at full strength from a health standpoint. At minimum, Miller is in a place where he can contribute to an offense that help.
I don’t think Miller will immediately return to 1,000-yard rushing form. But I imagine the expectation is that he will perform at a better clip than undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce or third-year player Ryan Nall. Or maybe having a rotation of backs featuring Miller, Pierce, Nall, and Cordarrelle Patterson is enough to keep the Vikings on their toes on MNF.