Ryan Poles outlines plan for Chicago Bears running backs

The Chicago Bears running game remains strong despite losing David Montgomery to the Detroit Lions. The addition of free agent D’Onta Foreman will offset Montgomgery’s lost production. He’ll combine with third-year pro Khalil Herbert to form a strong combination of complementary skill sets in the Bears’ backfield in 2023.

“I think it’s healthy to have a two-back system, guys that can rotate in and out, different styles like we’ve had before where one would kind of (be) a more of physical, downhill guy, and then the other one can pop long runs and be explosive,” Poles said from the NFL Owners Meetings, via the Athletic. “We’ll continue to do that and hopefully have success there.”

Foreman, 6-foot, 235 pounds, will be the physical downhill runner. Herbert, 5-foot-9, 212 pounds, is the explosive field-flipper. Much like the 2022 season, it’ll be a tandem that combines with Justin Fields to give the Chicago Bears a dangerous backfield.

At 26 years old, D’Onta Foreman is joining the Bears with much left to prove. The former third-round pick from Texas had a career year in 2022, running for more yards (914) and a higher yards-per-carry average (4.5) than Montgomery.

Ryan Poles likes what D’Onta Foreman brings to Chicago Bears offense

“I liked the style and the scheme. That fits well,” Poles said of Foreman. “Good vision, burst. I love that he can finish runs with speed. So he’ll have a good opportunity to help us out.”

Khalil Herbert, meanwhile, was on his way to unseating David Montgomery as the primary runner for the Chicago Bears before a hip injury sidelined him for four games. Herbert finished 2022 with a remarkable 5.7 yards per carry, routinely ripping off chunk gains.

Herbert’s struggles in pass protection will be worth monitoring as the 2023 season unfolds. If he doesn’t show improvement, Foreman’s opportunity to emerge as the lead running back will grow.

“I came here to try to be the guy,”