Bears need a breakout from RB Khalil Herbert

It had been 45 days since Khalil Herbert had someone try to tear him to the turf.

That takes some getting used to.

He looked it during Sunday’s loss to the Lions. He ran 16 times for 35 yards. His average of 2.2 yards per carry was his second-worst since he became one of the Bears’ lead rushers at the start of last season.

“There’s nothing like getting tackled to the ground,” Herbert said this week. “You’re not getting tackled to the ground, you’re not having people diving at your legs and things like that. You gotta get used to the speed of the game, just stuff like that, that you don’t ever think of until you’re in it.

“As you go along, you get better.”

Herbert “got better as the game went on,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said.

“We anticipate him coming out and having a great day,” he said.

He needs to, particularly with D’Onta Foreman doubtful against the Vikings because of the ankle/shin injury that has bothered him the last two games. Foreman missed most of the second half against the Lions.

Herbert returned from injured reserve last week after hurting his ankle in Week 5 against the Commanders. He felt like he was close to a breakthrough Sunday, but it never came. Herbert hopes to get more elusive as he shakes off the rust of a five-game absence.

“One block away, or me having to make that extra guy miss,” he said. “It’s frustrating because I feel like it’s so close right there. Just gotta find a way to make something happen.”

Jefferson questionable

The Vikings called star receiver Justin Jefferson questionable for Monday night’s game.

They have until 3 p.m. Monday to activate Jefferson from injured reserve, where he has been recovering from a hamstring injury. The Vikings will be tempted to sit him out to buy him two more weeks, though. Like the Bears, they have a Week 13 bye.

“I think you have to prepare that he’s in there,” coach Matt Eberflus said, “and if he’s not, you just adjust accordingly.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell took a holistic approach when discussing his return Saturday.

“We know that having Justin Jefferson out there gives us the best chance to win,” O’Connell said. “But the big picture with this player — he means the absolute world to me and this organization — we’re going to do what’s best for him.”

On Friday, Jefferson said he was trying to stay patient.

“If I miss this one, it’s going to be the seventh game,” he said. “So it’s definitely frustrating. It’s tough to be patient and try to make sure an injury heals properly. It’s definitely not something I want to do, but it comes with the game.”

Stevenson hurt

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson hurt his ankle during practice Saturday and is questionable.

Stevenson took a star turn against the Lions, intercepting a pass and forcing a fumble while covering a kickoff.

If he can’t play, fellow rookie Terell Smith will take his place. He rotated with Stevenson against the Lions, playing 21% of the Bears’ defensive snaps to Stevenson’s 79%.

“Terell has looked good all the way back to training camp,” Eberflus said. “He’s mature beyond his years. He takes things in stride. He takes coaching really well.”

This and that

Swing tackle Larry Borom is doubtful because of an illness that has kept him out all week. Linebacker Noah Sewell (knee) is out.

• Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (calf) and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (knee) are questionable.