CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have made a rare move ahead of the trade deadline.
The Bengals acquired Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, the Bears announced Tuesday. The move comes hours before the NFL’s trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
Cincinnati needed a running back after Zack Moss reported he was dealing with a neck injury before the team’s Week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. On Monday, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said more information would be gathered this week and a timetable for Moss’s return was unclear.
Herbert, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 draft, was in the final year of his rookie contract. He has had limited usage for the Bears in six games this season. He has just eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown and has been a healthy scratch in the last two contests for Chicago.
The Virginia Tech product adds depth behind Bengals running back Chase Brown, who had 27 carries for 120 yards, both career highs, in Cincinnati’s 41-27 win over the Raiders last weekend.
Cincinnati has not historically made midseason trades except for in special situations. The last one came during the 2020 season when disgruntled defensive end Carlos Dunlap was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for offensive lineman B.J. Finney.
Discussion with Experts
Guest Experts
- Dr. Alice Thompson, Sports Medicine Specialist
- Mark Johnson, NFL Analyst
- Jessica Lee, Injury Rehabilitation Expert
Moderator: “With the Bengals acquiring Khalil Herbert, what impact do you foresee on their rushing game?”
Dr. Alice Thompson: “I believe Herbert offers valuable depth, especially with Moss’s injury concerns. It’s crucial for the team to ensure they have reliable options.”
Mark Johnson: “The Bengals have needed to shake things up in the running back position. I think Herbert could be a wild card, especially if he finds his rhythm.”
Jessica Lee: “Injuries can often take longer to recover from than anticipated. It’s wise for Cincinnati to have back-up plans like Herbert.”
Moderator: “How do you think Zac Taylor’s coaching strategy will adapt to include Herbert?”
Mark Johnson: “Taylor has always been flexible with his strategies. I expect to see them utilize Herbert in various packages.”
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the Bengals’ recent trade? Do you think Khalil Herbert can make a significant impact? Join the discussion in the comments below!
Time.news Interview: Bengals’ Big Move Before Trade Deadline
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another exciting edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a significant midseason move by the Cincinnati Bengals that caught many by surprise. Joining me is Ben Baby, an expert on all things Bengals and an ESPN staff writer. Ben, thank you for being with us!
Ben Baby: Thanks for having me! It’s always great to talk Bengals football.
Time.news Editor: So, let’s get right into it. The Bengals traded for Khalil Herbert from the Bears right before the trade deadline. What prompted this move, especially given the Bengals’ historical reluctance to engage in midseason trades?
Ben Baby: That’s a great question. Traditionally, the Bengals have been conservative when it comes to making midseason trades. However, with Zack Moss reportedly dealing with a neck injury, the team found itself in a position where they needed immediate depth at the running back position. Coach Zac Taylor was clear that they would need to gather more information about Moss’s situation, but with the trade deadline rapidly approaching, they acted swiftly to secure Herbert.
Time.news Editor: It seems like an interesting choice, considering Herbert’s recent performance. He hasn’t been heavily utilized in Chicago, with only eight carries so far this season. What do you think the Bengals see in him as a valuable addition?
Ben Baby: Herbert was a sixth-round pick in 2021 and has shown flashes of potential. While his usage hasn’t been optimal in Chicago, the Bengals likely see him as a player who can step in and contribute when needed. They’re also banking on the fact that he had a stronger college career at Virginia Tech. The Bengals are betting that they can unlock his potential in their system, especially as he’ll be playing behind Chase Brown, who is coming off a career-best game.
Time.news Editor: That’s an intriguing angle—developing talent that might not have found its footing in another system. How has the team’s performance impacted their decision-making process with this trade?
Ben Baby: The Bengals had a solid showing against the Raiders, winning 41-27, with Brown stepping up impressively. However, the uncertainty surrounding Moss’s injury can put even the best performances in jeopardy. The front office is likely weighing the need for depth to avoid any potential drop-off in their running game. It’s all about maintaining momentum, especially as they vie for playoff positioning in a competitive AFC.
Time.news Editor: It appears that the addition of Herbert is a short-term fix. Do you think this move could imply larger changes for the Bengals if they continue to perform well as a team?
Ben Baby: Absolutely. This could be the first step toward a broader strategy. If the Bengals find success with Herbert and other players continue to step up, they might be looking to make additional moves as they push for the playoffs. They have shown in the past that they’re willing to make bold decisions when it counts. Herbert could very well be a stepping stone towards a more aggressive approach moving forward.
Time.news Editor: Excellent insights, Ben. Considering the Bengals’ past with midseason trades, how do you think the fans are reacting to this move?
Ben Baby: I think there’s a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans. Some might be cautious, given the team’s history of not making significant trades, while others could see this as a proactive approach to bolster a key position ahead of a critical point in the season. though, fans will appreciate any effort the team makes to stay competitive.
Time.news Editor: Thanks, Ben, for shedding light on the Bengals’ latest move and what it could mean for their future. Players, trades, and playoff hopes—it’s a dynamic time in Cincinnati!
Ben Baby: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Bengals fans and for me as a journalist covering this evolving story.
Time.news Editor: That’s a wrap for today. Join us next time for more updates from the world of sports, right here at Time.news!