How does Khalil Herbert's big game affect the Bears running back hierarchy

Many insiders believed that going into Week 4's game against the Denver Broncos, the Chicago Bears were prepared to fully unleash rookie running back Roschon Johnson. However, the Bears made it clear on Sunday what they've been trying to make clear all season. Khalil Herbert is the team's undisputed RB1 this season. Herbert has more […]

Kole Noble — Chicago Bears News Writer

Oct 2, 2023 10:57 AM EDT

Many insiders believed that going into Week 4's game against the Denver Broncos, the Chicago Bears were prepared to fully unleash rookie running back Roschon Johnson.

However, the Bears made it clear on Sunday what they've been trying to make clear all season. Khalil Herbert is the team's undisputed RB1 this season.

Herbert has more than earned his right to command the Bears backfield after spending two seasons as the second fiddle behind former Bears running back David Montgomery.

Herbert had his biggest game of the season on Sunday, rushing for 103 yards on 18 carries, the second-most rushing yards he's had in a single game in his career. The third-year back added 19 more yards on four receptions.

"Khalil had a helluva day on the ground," quarterback Justin Fields said after the game. "He did his thing, the line was doing their thing."

As a result, Herbert crossed the 100-yard rushing threshold for just the third time in his career. Herbert is clearly the team's top back and is their leading rusher on the season with 196 yards through four games.

Johnson, on the other hand, was used sparingly against the Broncos, finishing the game with six total touches for 15 scrimmage yards. The fourth-round rookie hasn't seen more than eight rushing attempts in a game this season, while his single game reception total has diminished every week.

It's easy to see why insiders and experts have become enamored with what Johnson could potentially be, but the fact of the matter is, this is Herbert's backfield and it always has been.

Herbert will have a short week to prepare for the Washington Commanders on Thursday night after his big game. The Commanders are allowing 4.6 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season, tied for the 7th-most in the NFL.