The Chicago Bears are hopeful that David Montgomery’s injury isn’t one that will keep him out for the long haul.
But while they await results of further testing, the Bears appear on the cusp of getting some good news regarding Montgomery’s backup:
#Bears RB Damien Williams suffered a thigh bruise on Sunday and should be OK, source said. He’d be the starter in the event David Montgomery misses a few weeks with his knee injury. Montgomery may miss some time, though the belief is the knee isn’t serious.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2021
Running back Damien Williams didn’t finish Sunday’s win against the Lions because of a quad injury. However, that injury doesn’t seem to be one that will keep Williams out for a while. In fact, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports Williams’ injury is a thigh bruise and that the Bears’ backup RB “should be OK.” Easy for Rap to say, especially since it isn’t his thigh dealing with a bruise. Nevertheless, this reported diagnosis is a positive development.
As is this: Williams getting a thumbs up on the health report puts him in line to start in the event Montgomery can’t give it a go because of his own injury issue. Not only does Williams have starting experience, he has spent time in Andy Reid’s version of Matt Nagy’s attempt of an offense while in Kansas City and been in a backfield with Bill Lazor calling plays dating back to his time with Miami. Don’t get me wrong. A healthy Monty is everyone’s obvious preference to be RB1. But Williams is a more than serviceable back who can carry the load while a starter is on the sidelines. At minimum, a healthy Williams keeps the Bears from thrusting rookie Khalil Herbert into a role he might not be ready for yet.
In any case, let’s keep an eye on Williams, Montgomery, and any future injury updates.