When Can the Bears RB Return?

Chicago Bears RB Khalil Herbert was just starting to hit his stride before suffering an injury and being sent to injured reserve (IR).

When can fantasy managers expect Herbert to return to the starting lineup for their fantasy football teams? Let’s take a closer look.

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Latest Injury Update for Khalil Herbert

Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Quite frankly, it looked like it could’ve been much worse, but it did lead to his early exit from the game. He was placed on IR shortly after.

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As is the case for many players who get sent to IR, we haven’t heard very much about how Herbert’s recovery process is going at the moment.

When Will Herbert Return?

The exact return date is never guaranteed with a significant injury like a high ankle sprain, but Herbert is eligible to return for the team’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football on Nov. 9.

While Herbert will be eligible in Week 10, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Bears will immediately elevate him to the active roster.

Herbert will need to be designated to return to practice, giving Chicago a 21-day window to activate him to Bears 53-man roster or rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Fantasy managers will need to pay close attention to Herbert’s potential practice participation early in the week of that game against the Panthers.

What Is Herbert’s Fantasy Ranking and Value?

Herbert was beginning to look like a reliable RB2 against the Denver Broncos and Washington prior to his injury. Herbert logged his first 100-yard rushing performance of the season against the Broncos in Week 4 and was averaging 7.6 yards per carry over his 10 touches against the Commanders.

Unfortunately, his trip to IR has potentially opened the door for other backs to contribute.

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D’Onta Foreman scored three touchdowns in Chicago’s win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Additionally, the team could see rookie running back Roschon Johnson return to the roster this week if he can clear concussion protocol.

Herbert is tough to place because the Bears offense has yet to find any real consistency this season. Herbert is hurt. Johnson is hurt. Justin Fields is hurt. The offensive line has been banged up, too.

The offense strung together two great offensive performances, then lost its quarterback. Even so, the Bears managed to produce some points with a rookie quarterback and third-string running back leading the way.

If Foreman or Johnson have monster games in the coming weeks with Herbert guaranteed to be out of the lineup, it could lead to him working in tandem with another back for the rest of the season.

If Chicago flounders with Johnson and Foreman toting the rock, then there is certainly a chance Herbert steps right back into his leading role upon return.

He will be in the RB3 conversation if he’s able to return in Week 10.