Bears RB Swift out with groin injury; Monangai to start against Bengals
The Chicago Bears will face the Cincinnati Bengals without their leading running back, D'Andre Swift, as he is sidelined due to a groin injury.
Why it matters: Swift’s absence marks a significant challenge for the Bears as they prepare for an important matchup against the Bengals.
- He has been a pivotal part of the Bears' offensive scheme, contributing significantly both in rushing and receiving.
- With 464 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season, his production will be sorely missed.
What’s new: D'Andre Swift will miss his first game since joining the Bears in 2024.
- The injury occurred during Week 6 against the Washington Commanders, and despite not practicing from Wednesday through Friday, Swift had hoped to play but ultimately could not recover in time.
What to watch: Rookie running back Kyle Monangai is stepping into the lead role in Swift's absence.
- Monangai has rushed for 186 yards on 42 attempts this season, including a touchdown scored in Week 7 against the Saints.
- He emphasized his approach to wearing down defenses, stating, “My mission is to tire the defense out... attacking them downhill.”
Yes, but: The Bears are also dealing with the absence of another key running back, Roschon Johnson, who is out due to a back injury.
- This double setback places additional pressure on Monangai to perform effectively against a Bengals defense that will be keen to exploit any weaknesses.
Between the lines: Monangai's confidence and rhythm will be critical to the Bears’ success on Sunday.
- He noted that getting a feel for the game allows him to adjust and improve as the match progresses, which could be crucial given the circumstances.
The bottom line: As the Bears look to navigate this challenging situation, Monangai's performance will be essential to maintaining their ground game and keeping pace with the Bengals' offense.
- With both Swift and Johnson out, the team must rely heavily on Monangai and their passing game to secure a much-needed win.
