The Bears’ run scheme has been the only consistent part of this team all season, but with Khalil Herbert headed to injured reserve and Teven Jenkins battling a hip injury, the run game may slow down in the coming weeks. But there’s still hope; the Bears’ rookie running back Trestan Ebner, drafted 203rd overall in 2022, has seen an increased workload in the past week beyond his typical duties as a return specialist. If the name Ebner doesn’t seem new to you, then you may remember his college ball days at Baylor. Ebener played at Baylor for five years, rushing for 1690 yards and nine touchdowns in his college career.
Those stats may not stand out, but 1515 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns surely do. Unlike Khalil Herbert, Trestan Ebner is an all-around player with much more receiving upside that will be beneficial for Justin Fields. I think if the Bears play Ebner to his strengths, they could have themselves another late-round running back draft steal. There is also speculation that Velus Jones Jr. could line up in the backfield this Sunday against Atlanta. The Bears’ third-round pick hasn’t been living up to the expectations as a receiver this season after dropping catchable passes and being a healthy scratch the last two weeks.
However, Velus Jones Jr. runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, lining up behind Justin Fields would make one of the fastest Quarterback-runningback duos in NFL History. Judging how the Bears’ offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has been orchestrating the offense these past few weeks, I think any approach is possible for the Bears’ run game against Atlanta. The Bears currently lead the NFL in rushing yards per game with 201.7 and total rushing yards with 2,017. Not that this matters, but the Bears are also in the sweepstakes to dethrone the Baltimore Ravens’ record of most rushing yards in a season with 3,296. If the Bears want to continue their ground game dominance, they need to use Trestan Ebner correctly and maybe roll the dice on Velus Jones Jr.
