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The Chicago Bears are hurting at the running back position, literally. Jeremy Langford has a nagging foot injury and Ka'Deem Carey was diagnosed with a concussion recently. This has given former Oregon State star running back Jacquizz Rodgers a chance to move up the depth chart for the Bears.
When preseason began he was listed as the 3rd string running back, but has now been placed in the starting lineup more often due to these injuries and has performed well. With his ability as a power runner and as a blocker on passing plays, he has been able to stand out. Rodgers also has good hands out of the backfield when pass plays are run to him. He’s totaled over 1,000 receiving yards in the NFL.
When Rodgers first signed with Chicago he was brought in for depth and leadership, mostly appearing on special teams. While only 26 years old, he is the oldest running back on the team and his experience is showing with his play lately. Rodgers missed a lot of last season after suffering a broken arm and is hoping to stay healthy and prove he deserves more playing time this season.
Rodgers has career totals of 1,157 yards rushing and 1,114 yards receiving as a pro. At Oregon State he rushed for 3,887 yards and pulled down 151 receptions for 1,056 yards. Rodgers was also Pac-10 Offensive Player Of The Year in 2008.