The Chicago Bears could be without their new starting running back in Week 6. On Thursday, the Bears announced that they had placed Damien Williams on the reserve/COVID-19 list. This calls his status for Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers into question.
According to the NFL, vaccinated players who are asymptomatic may return once they have recorded two negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart. Vaccinated players who are symptomatic must also return two negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart, but also must be asymptomatic for 48 hours. Unvaccinated individuals must isolate for 10 days.
With David Montgomery out with a knee injury, Williams got the start for the Bears last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. He rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, and also caught two passes for 20 yards in the 20-9 victory.
Even if Williams misses Sunday, all is not lost for the Bears. Rookie running back Khalil Herbert showed out last week, as he rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries. The Virginia Tech product could be in line to record his first official start. The only other running back currently on the active roster is Ryan Nall.
It will be interesting to see how this affects Matt Nagy’s game plan this week if Williams can’t go, as rookie quarterback Justin Fields could be throwing the ball much more. He hasn’t recorded more than 20 passing attempts in any of his three career starts.
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