The latest news on Khalil Herbert’s injury from Thursday Night Football could see him miss multiple weeks, according to Tom Pelissero. With Herbert potentially set for an extended layoff, what does that mean for his fantasy football value and the value of Roschon Johnson and D’Onta Foreman?
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Khalil Herbert’s Injury More Serious Than First Thought
Immediately after the game on Thursday, Herbert appeared upbeat about his ankle injury. The Chicago Bears RB gave the impression that it was a short-term issue that would not cost him extended time. However, it appears the injury is more severe than Herbert first thought.
#Bears RB Khalil Herbert is expected to miss multiple weeks because of the ankle injury he suffered Thursday night against the #Commanders, per sources.
With Roschon Johnson (concussion) and Travis Homer (hamstring) also ailing, it could be D’Onta Foreman time for Chicago. pic.twitter.com/V0Ayv4Blzq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 8, 2023
Pelissero’s report that Herbert could miss multiple weeks opens up several options. If Herbert is set to miss as many as four weeks, we could see the Bears put him on the IR this week. That would mean Herbert misses the next four games and would keep him out through Week 9, with the earliest he can return is Week 10. Later on Sunday, Josina Anderson tweeted that per a source, Herbert is dealing with a high ankle sprain.
The good news for the Bears is that they have some time to make the decision. With their Week 5 game having been on Thursday, they now have until next Saturday to make a roster move with Herbert. That gives them a full week and a bit to assess the injury and make a decision. Either way, Herbert’s absence offers a boost in fantasy value for fellow Bears RBs Johnson and Foreman.
Fantasy Value of Roschon Johnson and D’Onta Foreman
Through the last four weeks, we have seen Johnson as the second option in the Bears’ backfield. That has resulted in D’Onta Foreman being inactive after being considered the potential starter entering Week 1. However, Johnson left the Bears’ Week 5 game with a concussion, putting his status for Week 6 in doubt.
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Concussions have generally been resulting in players missing just over a week on average this season. Thursday to Sunday is potentially in the window for Johnson to have time to return, but it will be tight. If he can recover and get cleared in time, Johnson should be the leader of the backfield in Herbert’s absence.
However, Foreman is likely still to be a factor. His veteran presence will be valued alongside a young QB and with a rookie RB in Johnson. Whoever ends up being the starter is an intriguing option. Herbert had found his groove in the offense before the injury. After rushing for 103 yards on 18 attempts in Week 4, he was at 76 yards from 10 attempts in Week 5 before his injury.
The issue is we don’t know which way the Bears will go at this stage. Johnson seems like the obvious answer if he is active. However, the Bears may view Herbert and Foreman as similar players, with Johnson offering a change of pace. Therefore, we could see Foreman step into Herbert’s role, especially if the Bears feel his pass blocking is in a better spot.
