Bears' Jordan Howard: Set for further increase in role

Howard's teammate Jeremy Langford (ankle) is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Analysis:

Already enjoying an increased role during Sunday's game against Dallas, the 21-year-old Howard saw his stock rise even higher when Langford went down with an ankle injury that has since been revealed to be serious. Given that Ka'Deem Carey (hamstring) may also be unavailable, Howard could potentially serve as a three-down workhorse, at least for the immediate future. While only a fifth-round selection in the most recent draft, Howard is quite clearly the most talented pure runner on the team and likely would've been selected higher if he'd been a bigger factor in the passing game during his college career at UAB and Indiana. Still a nice value at No. 150 overall, he's thus far looked competent as a receiver in the NFL, catching six of his eight targets for 56 yards. Further helping his cause, the Bears have matchups with the banged-up Detroit (Week 4) and Indianapolis (Week 5) defenses on the horizon. Howard should be owned in all leagues.