How will Bears replace Herbert?

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.

With Khalil Herbert on injured reserve, who do you think will pick up the slack in the running game?
Brad S.
Kentucky

With Khalil Herbert sidelined for at least the next four games with an injury he suffered against the Lions, I imagine that the Bears will continue to lean heavily on quarterback Justin Fields and that David Montgomery will get a greater percentage of the workload than he did when he was splitting time with Herbert. Over the last four games, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has called more designed quarterback runs and read-option plays and Fields has posted record performances. Montgomery has proven in the past that he’s more than capable of handling the majority of the carries in the backfield while also possessing the versatility to excel as a pass catcher and blocker. I imagine Trestan Ebner will be more involved as well with Herbert out. Coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday that he doesn’t think Herbert’s injury is a season-ending one and that he will return at some point. In terms of replacing him, Eberflus said: “Whenever you lose a player like that, it’s always hard. It’s hard to replace him. Khalil’s got a great style to him. You guys have seen the breakout runs, so it’s hard to replicate that. We’re just going to have to share the load with those guys. D-Mo’s (Montgomery) stepping up and doing some different things. [Herbert’s] certainly a talented back for sure.”

How many NFL quarterbacks have had a 50-yard-plus touchdown pass and a 50-yard-plus touchdown run in the same game?
Terry D.
Burlington, Iowa

With a 67-yard TD run and a 50-yard TD pass to Cole Kmet last Sunday against the Lions, Justin Fields became the fourth player in NFL history to accomplish that feat. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson did it earlier this season versus the Dolphins. The other two were Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in 2012 and Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame quarterback Ace Parker in 1938.

I’ve been watching football for many decades and like to think I know something about the game. So tell me this: Why wasn’t Jeff Okudah’s kneeing of Cole Kmet at least a penalty for illegal contact beyond five yards?
Kerry K.
Parkland, Florida

That’s a very good question. I thought it could have been called as well, but generally when there’s a collision like the one between Cole Kmet and Lions cornerback Jeff…