The Cincinnati Bengals have added a running back to the mix following Zack Moss' neck injury.
The Bengals are acquiring Khalil Herbert in a trade with the Chicago Bears, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, per sources. The Bears return a 2025 seventh-round pick in the swap.
Chicago has since announced the trade.
A former sixth-round pick, Herbert brings a power element to Cincy to complement Chase Brown out of the backfield. In four seasons in Chicago, Herbert generated 1,791 yards and nine touchdowns. Buried on the depth chart this season, the 26-year-old had just eight rushes for 16 yards with a TD.
The Bears will plow forward with D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer out of the backfield.
The trade adds some clarity to Moss' situation, whom coach Zac Taylor said Monday was out indefinitely with a neck injury. In fact, the running back is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, Pelissero and NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday, and was later officially placed on IR.
The fact that the Bengals traded for a running back further suggests Moss' injury is a long-term issue.
Brown will remain the Bengals' top back after putting up career highs with 27 carries for 120 rush yards while adding 37 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 9's win over Las Vegas. Brown showed he has three-down capability. However, adding a complement like Herbert gives Cincy power in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
The Bengals take on division rival Baltimore on Thursday night as Joe Burrow and Co. try to get back to .500 and push for a playoff spot.
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