It was unclear what Jordan Howard’s role was going to be in his first year in Chicago.

B1G fans saw Howard flourish in his one year in Indiana’s backfield and earn to All-B1G honors. After Howard was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round, he was buried on the depth chart. The likes of former Michigan State star Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey both were ahead of Howard.

But just three weeks into the season, Howard is in line to become the team’s new feature back.

Carey was already nursing a hamstring injury coming into last week and figures to be out a bit longer. Langford left Sunday night’s game in Dallas with an ankle injury.

According to Adam Schefter, Langford will be out for a considerable amount of time.

That opens the door for Howard to capitalize on a prime opportunity. He was already more successful than Langford in limited work on Sunday night. His nine carries went for 45 yards and he also caught four passes for 47 yards.

Howard was in line for more work with Langford struggling to get anything going behind a weak offensive line. The Bears do face an injury-riddled Detroit Lions defense this Sunday.

Perhaps it won’t be long before the former Indiana star gets his first career touchdown.