Bears Beat: 'It would be a surprise' if RB Jeremy Langford doesn't see 20 carries in Week 9

Bears beat writer Jeff Dickerson:

San Diego is the perfect opponent for RB Jeremy Langford. With Langford's role about to increase in the aftermath of Matt Forte's knee injury, the rookie will go up against the Chargers' 27th-ranked rushing defense (124.4) on Monday night. San Diego has allowed four tailbacks to rush for more than 100 yards through eight games -- James Starks, Le'Veon Bell, Adrian Peterson and Giovani Bernard. The Bears have gone out of their way to publicly praise Langford this week, despite the rookie playing just 73 snaps in seven games. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase begins installing the game plan for San Diego on Thursday. It would be a surprise if Langford carries the ball fewer than 20 times on Monday in Southern California.

We currently project Langford for around 18 carries, but if he doesn't run well early, don't be shocked if Antone Smith gets a chance. Smith was highly productive on limited touches while in Atlanta. Langford should run well early, however, given the matchup against the Chargers, who are last in the league in RB aFPA.