Bears notes: RB Khalil Herbert puts up strong numbers in starting debut
By Jason Lieser on October 17, 2021 7:12 pm

Herbert ran for 97 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Without their top two running backs, the Bears were just fine against the Packers with rookie Khalil Herbert making his first start.

A sixth-rounder from Virginia Tech who began the season as a special-teamer, Herbert ran 19 times for 97 yards and a touchdown in the Bears’ 24-14 loss Sunday. In his two games in a full-time role, he has yet to be stopped for negative yardage.

“I really liked the way that he ran,” coach Matt Nagy said. “It was just like last week — when he makes the one cut and gets vertical. We need him right now.”

The Bears figure to be without starter David Montgomery for at least another two games, and Damien Williams is in question for next week against the Buccaneers.

Herbert also had what could’ve been a 16-yard touchdown run, but center Sam Mustipher was flagged for holding.

Nonetheless, he had three runs of 10 or more yards, including a 25-yarder in the first quarter.

“It’s just getting in there, getting the feel of the game,” Herbert said. “Being able to get the play speed is helping me slow things down.”