The middle-of-the-week injury reports can be devastating for fantasy football managers if your star running back is surprisingly missing practice. Injury reports can be misleading or at least lack clarity on whether your star playmaker will be available to play or not. We’re diving into Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery’s injury update to see if he’s worth starting on your fantasy roster.
David Montgomery Injury Update
After suffering an ankle and knee injury in Week 3 of Chicago’s narrow 23-20 win against the Houston Texans, Montgomery found himself unable to participate in practices last week and missed Week 4. After missing practice Wednesday, it was possible Montgomery would not be available for Week 5 as well.
Montgomery enjoyed a stellar Week 2 against the rival Green Bay Packers when he totaled 122 rushing yards on only 15 carries. The Bears have the third-best running attack in the league despite being incompetent in trying to throw the ball. Between the talent Montgomery, Justin Fields, and Khalil Herbert have and the road-grading nature of the line, it’s not a surprise this is a run-dominant team.
Not everything has come easily for Montgomery, though. He produced only 37 yards on 20 carries in Week 1 and Week 3 combined, then watched Herbert explode for 157 yards in Week 3 and 77 yards in Week 4 in his absence. Considering Montgomery is in a contract season, it’s fair to wonder whether he’s feeling the pressure to get back on the field to audition for the Bears or another team for 2022 and beyond.
MORE: Week 5 Fantasy Running Back Rankings
It’s not hard to imagine a team like Miami or Denver moving a late-round asset to acquire Montgomery if Chicago prefers to roll with Herbert. At least for now, though, Montgomery remains in place as the RB1.
He was out of practice Wednesday, which is not usually a good sign after missing the entire week of practice last week. But he was fully participating in the 10 minutes the media was able to watch practice on Thursday and earned a limited distinction, leading to expectations he’ll be available for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
If Montgomery is active, he’s a strong start option for fantasy managers. He’s averaged 88.8 rushing yards and 0.6 touchdowns across five games throughout his career against the Vikings. Minnesota has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, allowing 4.6 yards a carry and the second-most touchdowns to the position.
If Montgomery Doesn’t Play, What is Khalil Herbert’s Fantasy Value?
It’s possible for fantasy managers to start both Montgomery and Herbert this week since their matchup is so favorable. Herbert has been impressive in his limited playing time, leading the Bears with 317 yards and 6.1 yards per carry. He’s tied with Montgomery for catches (five) and is one yard behind him on the season.
We can expect Herbert to see less time on the field if Montgomery earns the start, and obviously, his ceiling will be lower. Herbert has carried the ball 13 times for 40 yards and three touchdowns in the red zone, ranking seventh in the league with red-zone fantasy points. Montgomery has carried the ball only four times for 17 yards.
If both are active, both are flex options for your fantasy team. Minnesota’s given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs and 131 rushing yards per game. There’s a huge opportunity for each ball carrier to star.
