RB Montgomery back at practice as 'limited participant' after injury
Injured running back David Montgomery returned to practice Thursday at Halas Hall as the Bears prepared to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Montgomery, who hurt his right knee and ankle against the Texans on Sept. 25 and did not play against the Giants last week, was listed a "limited participant" on the injury report.
Montgomery appeared to be near full speed during the portion of practice open to the media. He made sharp cuts on a couple of quick pass routes and caught both balls.
"He looked good. Healthy," said fellow tailback Khalil Herbert. "He looked ready to go."
Asked if he expects to play, though, Montgomery admitted it would be a game-time decision.
"So we'll see what it's like on Sunday," he said.
Montgomery ran for just 26 yards on 17 carries in the season opener, but he busted loose for 122 yards on 15 carries in a Week 2 loss to the Packers. He was injured early in the win over Houston, finishing with just 11 yards on 3 carries.
Herbert stepped up in Montgomery's absence, finishing with 157 yards on 20 carries against the Texans and amassing 77 yards on 19 carries against the Giants.
Montgomery's injury looked bad at first, but coach Matt Eberflus has always insisted his RB was day-to-day. Montgomery, who missed four games last season with a knee injury, was asked what went through his mind this time.
"This is a game where it's inevitable that you are going to get hurt at some point," Montgomery said. "You've just got to take a step back and process what needs to be processed. You just take it one day at a time and try to get yourself better so you can be ... the best version of yourself you can be when you return."
No time to sulk:
Despite his fourth-quarter fumble against the Giants, rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. will still be the Bears' main punt returner.
"I'm glad no one ever gave up on me the first mistake I made," said special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. "That's how guys get better. You've got to give him chances, you've got to give him opportunities, and he's a special player."
Hightower went on to say that Jones is "super confident" and that he couldn't wait for the next opportunity.
So where did this confidence come from?
"I was raised with it," said Jones, whom the Bears selected 71st overall in April's draft. "My family, as believers in Jesus Christ, (understands) everything happens for a reason. ... I know the things I had to correct (and have) been working on them this week at practice.
"It's never been a confidence issue. It's all about getting more reps and beating the ball to the spot. The things I need to work on have been corrected, so I'm looking forward to this Sunday."
Jones did return 2 punts against the Giants, one of which he brought back 19 yards. He did not get a single snap on offense but said he expects that to change against the Vikings.