Bears Backfield Injury Update
Bears running backs return to practice as the team prepares for Sunday opener.
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Key Points
1
Kyle Monangai injured his right knee on Aug. 16 after getting tangled with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during practice.
2
D’Andre Swift is coming off a career season in which he rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, and he is entering a contract year.
3
Monangai produced 783 rushing yards on 169 carries as a rookie, providing context for why his availability could affect Chicago’s backfield rotation.
4
Rome Odunze led the Bears in receiving during the first half of last season before the earlier foot injury sidelined him and continued to affect his play after his return.
The Chicago Bears got back two key running backs on Monday as they prepared for Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Kyle Monangai returned to practice for the first time since hyperextending his knee on August 16, and D'Andre Swift also rejoined the team after leaving last week's practice with cramps. Both players have a chance to play, though Monangai's workload could be limited iHeart Radio.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze remained sidelined after reaggravating a right foot or ankle injury that plagued him last season. The Bears described the injury as likely not serious based on preliminary reports iHeart Radio. Chicago will release its first official injury report on Wednesday after completing additional practices Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Swift Returns With One Year Left on Deal
D'Andre Swift left practice last week with cramps but is back in action ahead of the season opener. The 27-year-old had a career year in 2025, rushing for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns iHeart Radio. Swift enters a contract year, making his availability especially important to Chicago's offensive plans.
Swift's return gives the Bears a proven lead back as they open their season. His production last year showed he can carry a heavy workload. The team now has clarity on its primary running back option.
Monangai's Knee Recovery Still Uncertain
Kyle Monangai rejoined Monday's practice after sitting out since August 16, when he hyperextended his knee after getting tangled with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett iHeart Radio. The rookie had produced 783 rushing yards on 169 carries before the injury sidelined him for three weeks iHeart Radio.
Monangai's status for Sunday remains unclear. Coaches may ease him back into action rather than asking him to play a full role right away. His return would provide Chicago with capable depth at running back if his knee allows.
Odunze's Foot Injury Could Hurt Passing Game
Rome Odunze remained out of practice as the Bears evaluate his right foot or ankle. The wide receiver led Chicago in receiving during the first half of last season before a foot injury sidelined him and hurt his play after his return iHeart Radio. Team officials believe the current injury is not serious based on early reports.
Odunze's absence matters more than Monangai's because the Bears have running-back depth but fewer elite receiving options. The 24-year-old's role in the passing game makes his availability critical. Chicago will continue monitoring his status through the week's remaining practices.
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