Jeremy

Langford

Falcons signed Oregon RB Tony Brooks-James in a corresponding move. Langford spent a majority of the year on Atlanta’s practice squad in 2018 but handled nine end-of-year carries without Devonta Freeman unable to go. He’ll find a home as a veteran presence on another practice squad before camp.

Langford has been bouncing around practice squads for a couple seasons, but he’ll be active for the Week 16 game against the Panthers with Ito Smith on Injured Reserve. Langford will be Tevin Coleman’s backup for the next two weeks with Devonta Freeman (groin, I.R.) not ready to practice.

Langford didn’t participate in practice, but it’s clear the boot was purely precautionary after Langford got “stepped on” in the Bears’ second preseason game. Langford’s status for next week’s regular season dress rehearsal is unclear. He’s shaping up as an enticing fantasy pick in the fifth and sixth rounds.

Langford led all NFL running backs in drops (8) last season and pass blocked poorly. “The first thing is get into my routes better and be able to separate from linebackers a lot better,” said Langford. “The most important part is catching the ball in traffic.” Langford has also emphasized gaining yards after contact by widening his feet to improve his balance. Langford totaled 279 yards on 22 catches as a rookie.

Through two preseason games, Langford has operated as the Bears’ clear-cut No. 1 back. He handled every snap with the first-team offense in the exhibition opener, and did so again tonight before being replaced by Jacquizz Rodgers deep into the second quarter when Brian Hoyer came in at quarterback. Langford’s rushing line was pumped up by a 34-yard gain, but he looked explosive with his cuts, and the offseason weight-gain hasn’t slowed him down. Langford is cementing himself atop the depth chart and looks like he may open the year in an every-down role.

He might be underselling it. Langford was terrific Thursday against New England, totaling 55 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. The Bears promised a “hot hand” approach at running back earlier this offseason but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Langford is clearly Chicago’s bellcow and may end up being a bargain at his current ADP.

Langford was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot at Saturday’s practice. “He got sore after the game,” Fox said. “You can call [sitting him] precautionary, but it’s just doing what’s smart.” It does not sound like Langford is dealing with a serious injury, but the boot is certainly concerning. Langford has worked as the clear-cut No. 1 back throughout the preseason.

There were not any reports of an injury following his 55-yard performance in Thursday’s preseason game, and beat writers did not have any updates at the start of practice. Coach John Fox will certainly be asked about the boot after practice, but he is not always forthcoming when it comes to injuries. While the boot is concerning, it is possible the Bears are simply being proactive with a minor issue. Langford has been working as the clear No. 1 back.

Fox has favored committee backfields dating back to his time with the Panthers and Broncos. Even in his first season with the Bears, he rotated Matt Forte and rookie Jeremy Langford the final month. Langford has been talked up as the “heir apparent” to Forte, but it’d be foolish to believe he’ll take on Forte’s full workload. Rookie Jordan Howard is a candidate to steal early-down snaps, and RBs coach Stan Drayton is dubbing Ka’Deem Cary a “wild card.” It’s a position battle to monitor closely this summer. Langford is currently being drafted as RB20 in MFL best-ball leagues.

The line was not impressive, but Langford worked as the clear first-team back on Thursday night despite several offseason reports suggesting the Bears planned to use a committee. He also stood up well in pass protection, stoning Broncos ILB Brandon Marshall on a free inside rush. Considering his struggles as a pass protector last season, plays like that should do a lot for his chances of locking up a three-down role. It was only one game, but it looks like Langford has a real shot to be the workhorse in Chicago.