REPORT: Chicago Bears Offense Could Have Serious Help On The Way

The bad news for the Chicago Bears offense has seemed endless over the past month. Forget the poor play on the field. That's been done to death. An equally big problem has been the steady stream of health issues the unit continues to suffer. Three starting offensive linemen out with injuries. Two primary backups as well. Now running back David Montgomery will be out for Monday night against Minnesota due to a concussion. To say nothing of Allen Robinson and Cole Kmet both being questionable with nagging issues of their own. Head coach Matt Nagy is doing everything he can to keep this offense afloat. That includes the difficult decision to hand play-calling duties off to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. It's hoped this might provide some kind of spark and maybe help to get the unit in a rhythm.

What they really need though is healthier bodies.

Thankfully it wasn't all bad news at the Friday press conference. Nagy revealed there is a good chance two key names could end up joining the lineup against the Vikings. One is Cody Whitehair. The starting center missed the past two games with a calf injury and then contracted COVID-19. Word is the calf has recovered. It's a matter of whether Whitehair will pass the virus protocols. The other name to watch is Lamar Miller. Chicago signed the former Pro Bowl running back to their practice squad over a month ago. He's remained there since, working his way into shape and continuing to recover from a torn ACL suffered last season. The Bears expressed optimism that he's coming along well. Now with Montgomery out it looks like his time has arrived.

Chicago Bears offense will look quite different

If Whitehair is able to play, it should bring some stability back to the middle of their offensive line. The Bears resorted to playing Alex Bars at center last week. A position he'd never played before in his career. That could allow him to shift over to left guard where he is much more comfortable. Jason Spriggs might also be able to go at right tackle. This would mercifully end the Rashaad Coward experiment. Miller is the big wild card people want to see though. This guy was playing some of his best football back in 2018 before he got hurt. When he's healthy, he has some explosiveness to him. Chicago's coaching staff knows him well. Running backs coach Charles London worked with him in Houston. Lazor was with him for two years in Miami.

They know what the veteran brings to the table.

It's likely he'll form some sort of committee in the backfield with Cordarrelle Patterson and Ryan Nall. His experience alone would be a sorely needed boost. Minnesota's defense isn't what it was the past few years but it still features some good players and is well-coached. If Miller can recapture some of his old magic, it would go a long way towards helping the Bears get a win. One they desperately need.