Monangai Injury Update.
Bears Running Back Kyle Monangai Exits Practice with Knee Injury; Initial Tests Positive, MRI Scheduled.
Key Points
Ozzy Trapilo was activated from the Bears' Physically Unable to Perform list and returned to practice; he previously suffered a torn patellar tendon in January 2026, a rehab timeline that can extend up to about 12 months.
Joe Thuney spoke highly of Kyle Monangai, saying, 'With Kyle, can’t say enough good things about him,' and noting his work ethic, playbook attention, and value in pass protection, while also noting Monangai is expected to be the second part of Chicago’s two-headed backfield with D’Andre Swift.
Monangai’s rookie-season production includes 783 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 18 receptions for 164 yards (and 63 yards on 21 postseason carries), highlighting his role in Chicago’s backfield.
The Bears finished last season with the NFL’s third-best rushing attack, a context that underscores Monangai’s expected role behind D’Andre Swift and the team’s continued emphasis on the ground game.
Luther Burden is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason due to a groin injury, with officials hoping for a return before Week 1.
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai left Sunday's practice with a right knee injury after defensive tackle Grady Jarrett tackled him from behind during a non-padded session. CBS Sports reported the team believes he is "fine," with an MRI planned to confirm the knee is structurally sound.
Initial tests showed no structural damage, according to NBC Sports. Monangai walked off the field with a trainer, but the Bears do not yet consider the injury serious.
How the Injury Happened and What Comes Next
The injury occurred during a practice drill with no pads. Grady Jarrett tackled Monangai from behind, and Monangai left the field with a visible limp, according to Fantasy Pros. Jarrett was seen appearing visibly upset on the sideline after the play.
The Bears scheduled an MRI to get a clearer picture of the knee. The goal, per NBC Sports, is to confirm what early tests already suggested — that the knee has no major structural damage. Results were expected soon.
Monangai's Rookie Year Made Him a Key Piece
Monangai is no depth player. In his rookie season, he rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 164 yards and added 63 yards on 21 postseason carries, per Shaw Local. The Bears finished the year with the NFL's third-best rushing attack.
Offensive lineman Joe Thuney made clear how valued Monangai is. "With Kyle, can't say enough good things about him," Thuney said, pointing to his work ethic, knowledge of the playbook, and skill in pass protection. Monangai is expected to share carries with D'Andre Swift in a two-headed backfield.
Bears Camp Juggling Multiple Injuries at Once
Monangai's injury adds to a growing list of Bears health concerns. Wide receiver Luther Burden is expected to miss the rest of the preseason with a groin injury, though the team hopes he returns before Week 1, according to Yahoo Sports. Cornerback Coby Bryant faces a longer road — four to six months — after knee surgery.
Not all news was bad. Ozzy Trapilo was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he is cleared to practice again. Trapilo had torn his patellar tendon in January 2026 — a injury that can take up to 12 months to fully heal. Braxton Jones and Montez Sweat also returned to practice this week, per Shaw Local.
Bears Backfield Depth Is Under the Microscope
The Bears are closely watching their running back room heading into 2026. D'Andre Swift is expected to lead the backfield, with Monangai as his primary partner. But the team is also keeping an eye on the future — if Swift departs, Chicago will need proven depth behind him, according to Shaw Local.
Monangai's health, even if not serious, is a reminder of how fragile backfield plans can be. The Bears built one of the NFL's best rushing offenses last season. Keeping that group healthy through camp is now a clear priority.
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