The Chicago Bears moved running back Damien Williams to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.
If he is vaccinated, he needs to record two negative tests 24 hours apart while being symptom-free in order to return, per NFL protocols.
That might not be enough time for Williams to make it back for Sunday’s showdown in Chicago against the rival Green Bay Packers. The winner between Green Bay (4-1) and Chicago (3-2) will lead the NFC North.
The Bears are already missing running back David Montgomery, who is on injured reserve with a sprained knee.
If Williams can’t go, Khalil Herbert will take the top spot on the depth chart. The rookie sixth-round pick took 18 carries for 75 yards last week in a road win over the Las Vegas Raiders, while Williams had 16 attempts for 64 yards and a touchdown plus two receptions for 20 yards.
Williams, 29, is in his first season with the Bears and opted out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic. In 90 games with the Miami Dolphins (2014-17), Kansas City Chiefs (2018-19) and Chicago, he’s amassed 1,368 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while catching 148 passes for 1,167 yards and another 10 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, linebacker Khalil Mack (foot) and wide receiver Allen Robinson (ankle) both missed practice for the second straight day Thursday.
Mack, 30, has been dealing with the injury most of the season and has remained in the starting lineup. He has five sacks and one fumble recovery in five games.
Robinson, 28, caught four passes for 32 yards against the Raiders and has 17 receptions for 181 yards and one TD in five starts this season.
–Field Level Media
