Bear Necessities: Rookie Khalil Herbert off to solid start as kick returner

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Don’t look now, but rookie running back Khalil Herbert has gotten off to an impressive start at kick returner for the Bears through the first three weeks this season.

Herbert always faced a tall task in replacing one of the NFL’s greatest kick returners in Cordarrelle Patterson, who Chicago let walk in free agency. But while there’s still a long season to go, Herbert has quietly been impressing at kick returner.

Herbert ranks first in the NFL in total kick return yards (201), and his 25.13 yards per return ranks second in the league among all returners with at least five returns.

#Bears rookie RB Khalil Herbert currently ranks 1st in the NFL in total kick return yards with 201. His 25.13 average ranks 2nd in the league of all returners with at least five returns.

— The Chicago Audible (@ChicagoAudible) September 30, 2021

Herbert hasn’t gotten a chance to prove himself at running back yet, with David Montgomery and Damien Williams leading the way. But that figures to change no later than Year 2.

But for now, Herbert can provide a spark for the offense through his contributions on special teams. And the offense could certainly use a spark.