In a rare mid-season move, the Cincinnati Bengals have bolstered their backfield depth by acquiring running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. The trade, announced Tuesday just hours before the NFL’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, sends Herbert to Cincinnati in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick.
Bengals Address RB Need After Moss Injury
The Bengals’ trade for Herbert comes on the heels of concerning news about backup running back Zack Moss. According to team sources, Moss reported a neck injury prior to Cincinnati’s Week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. While the severity and timeline for Moss’s return remain unclear, head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged that more information would be gathered this week to assess the situation.
Herbert’s arrival provides critical insurance and depth behind starter Chase Brown, who stepped up in Moss’s absence last week with a career-high 27 carries for 120 yards in the Bengals’ 41-27 victory over the Raiders. The trade ensures Cincinnati has a proven commodity to spell Brown and maintain the potency of their ground game.
Herbert’s Background and Fit
A sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech in the 2021 draft, Herbert saw limited usage for the Bears this season. In six games, he recorded just eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. Curiously, Herbert was a healthy scratch for Chicago in their last two contests, perhaps foreshadowing his eventual trade.
“He’s a talented back with a well-rounded skill set,” an anonymous Bengals coach revealed. “Khalil can run with power, catch the ball out of the backfield, and hold his own in pass protection. We believe he’s a great fit for our offense.”
– Anonymous Bengals coach
Despite his modest production this year, Herbert showcased his ability as a rookie in 2021. He appeared in 15 games, rushing for 433 yards on 103 attempts (4.2 yards per carry) and catching 14 passes for 96 yards. The Bengals are banking on Herbert recapturing that form as he transitions to a complementary role in their offense.
Rare Midseason Move for Bengals
The Bengals’ trade for Herbert represents a departure from the team’s typical approach. Cincinnati has historically eschewed mid-season trades outside of unique circumstances. Their last such move came in 2020 when they dealt disgruntled defensive end Carlos Dunlap to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for offensive lineman B.J. Finney.
The urgency of Moss’s injury situation and the Bengals’ playoff aspirations likely spurred them to act. At 5-3 and in the thick of the competitive AFC North race, Cincinnati recognized the need for reinforcements to maintain their momentum and keep pace with divisional rivals.
Looking Ahead
As Herbert acclimates to his new surroundings, the Bengals will look to integrate him into the offense promptly. His presence should alleviate the burden on Chase Brown, who has carried the load admirably but could benefit from a breather to maintain his effectiveness over the grueling NFL season.
The Bengals’ proactive move to fortify their running back room underscores the team’s commitment to contending in a fiercely competitive AFC landscape. With Herbert in tow and their offense now well-stocked, Cincinnati appears poised to make a strong second-half push as they eye a return to the postseason.
