The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, per Tom Pelissero.
Hours before the NFL’s trade deadline goes into effect, the Bengals traded for a player mid-season for the third time in franchise history. Herbert is in the midst of a down season after being buried on the depth chart since Chicago signed D’Andre Swift this offseason and drafted Roschon Johnson a year ago. Herbert averaged over 50 rushing yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry in each of his last two seasons. However, he’s relegated to third-string running back this season, seeing just eight rushing attempts in six games. Herbert’s rookie contract expires at the end of this season, so it’s an opportunity for the former sixth-round pick to secure a second contract.
This was a timely move to ensure stability for Cincinnati’s running back room. Recent reports indicate veteran Zack Moss will be away from the team for a significant portion of the season. Moss and Chase Brown are the only two running backs on Cincinnati’s roster with a rushing attempt this season. Herbert’s shown flashes in the past and figures to become a key part of the rotation sooner than later. He projects as a complimentary RB2 behind Brown, who will continue seeing 12-15 rushing attempts each week with a few more opportunities in the receiving game. The Bengals face off against the Ravens on Thursday night, though it’s unclear whether Herbert will be active for this contest.
Written by @TreyK_FB (Twitter/X)
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Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert has been taken off the IR list and is set to play on Sunday following a full practice on Thursday, as confirmed by head coach Matt Eberflus.
Herbert will be rejoining fellow running backs Roschon Johnson and D’onta Foreman in the backfield, alongside the return of QB Justin Fields. This lineup, which presented a formidable defense against division rivals the Detroit Lions, sees Khalil back in action after initially leading the backfield earlier in the season. However, with Foreman and Roschon delivering strong performances, and the latter serving as the designated pass-catching back, it remains intriguing to observe how this group of running backs will perform.
From a fantasy perspective, considering Khalil for a flex position could be a viable option, though expectations should be tempered. The dynamics of this backfield are still unfolding, and there’s the lingering concern of potential re-injury. While the Bears remain in the last place for a reason, the return of key players like Herbert offers a glimmer of hope for improvement.
