David Montgomery leaves Bears practice after injuring groin

Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery left practice on Wednesday after suffering an apparent lower-body injury in a non-contact drill.

Bears running back David Montgomery reportedly limped off of the field during Wednesday’s practice, going down after a hard cut in a non-contact running back drill, according to the Chicago Tribune. With the second-year running back facing high expectations in 2020, Chicago could struggle at the running back position if he misses time.

Per Adam Schefter, Montgomery was carted off the field after going down and favoring his right leg. While no update on his condition is available yet, non-contact, lower-body injuries are never a good sign.

What do the Bears do if David Montgomery misses significant time?

If Montgomery’s injury keeps him out in the long-term, the Bears may have to get creative at the running back position. Tarik Cohen would likely rise to the top of the depth chart, but Cordarrelle Patterson has reportedly taken snaps at the position as well.

With so many question marks at the quarterback position as well, as Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky battle for the starting gig, Montgomery was likely to see an expanded role in 2020. Cohen is not a true between-the-tackles back, and is better served as a pass-catcher and gadget player out of the backfield.

According to Pro Football Focus, Montgomery excelled at forcing missed tackles as a rookie, ranking second among all players in his class. A lingering lower-body injury could hinder his ability to do the same in 2020.

However, according to Schefter and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, there is optimism in the building regarding the 23-year-old’s injury outlook.

Nagy later confirmed that it was a groin strain, but the severity is not yet known. Regardless, the young running back will likely feel the effects of the injury for the foreseeable future.