The Chicago Bears are entering training camp with a dynamic running back room, but one of Chicago’s rushers could soon be traded, according to one NFL insider.
New acquisition D’Andre Swift, a Pro Bowler in 2023, is expected to start at running back for the Bears and receive the most touches of Chicago’s rushing corps.
The Bears are retaining three young rushers who will presumably provide depth behind Swift: 26-year-old Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson (23), and Travis Homer (25).
Herbert is an important player for Chicago because he’s also capable of leveraging his explosiveness on special teams as a kick returner.
In three seasons for the Bears, Herbert has carried the ball 364 times for 1,775 yards and also recorded 43 catches for 287 yards (10 total touchdowns).
He’s been moderately durable, missing nine games over the last two seasons after dressing for all 17 during his rookie season.
Despite Herbert’s solid production, The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain revealed on Monday that Herbert is in danger of being traded if he doesn’t perform during the early stages of the upcoming season.
“(After Week 6) will we be talking about Herbert the dynamic No. 2 back and kickoff returner or someone who should get traded?” Fishbain said.
Herbert began last season as Chicago’s starting running back. An ankle injury in Week 5 kept him out for a month-plus.
He was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech.
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