Amid what is expected to be a lengthy stretch without starter David Montgomery, the Bears may also be without their second-string running back in Week 6. Damien Williams is now on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
Williams’ Thursday placement on the coronavirus list will make his suiting up against the Packers on Sunday a difficult task. Vaccinated players can return after a positive test if they receive two negative COVID tests 24 hours apart. Unvaccinated players who test positive are shut down for 10 days. Williams tested positive, Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed tweets.
[RELATED: Bears Move Montgomery To IR]
This development will likely force the Bears to give the ball-carrying keys to rookie Khalil Herbert. The sixth-round pick logged just three carries in Chicago’s first four games but split time with Williams against the Raiders, taking 18 handoffs and gaining 75 yards.
Williams was a COVID-19 opt-out last year, skipping the Chiefs’ 2020 season. He had previously been effective after stepping in as a starter post-Kareem Hunt in Kansas City, but the opt-out ended his run with the team. The Chiefs cut Williams earlier this year, leading the 29-year-old back to the Bears.
Through five games, Williams’ rushing total sits at 137 yards. He has added two touchdowns this season. Williams expressed hesitation on being vaccinated in June, though he said he expected to do so at some point. His October vaccination status is unclear.
Hopefully the rookie Herbert can use the opportunity and make some kind of impact. Williams doesn’t strike me as a player who is really committed to the job. Bears should perhaps consider Marlon Mack or a free agent instead as a stopgap until Montgomery is ready to return.
I’d rather see them Unleash Herbert anyway.
The guy is a beast. He’s a “ in shape “ Eddie Lacy.
Hey hey hey be fair!…..round is a shape!