Bears Injury Update: Kyle Monangai Ruled Out, Zavier Scott Promoted

The Chicago Bears are heading into a Sunday showdown with the Green Bay Packers missing a critical piece of their offensive engine. Running back Kyle Monangai has been ruled out for the game due to a toe injury that has proven more severe than the team first believed.

Monangai currently ranks seventh in the NFL in rushing with 324 yards and three touchdowns on 60 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. His absence leaves a void in a Bears offense that currently leads the NFL in rushing at 196.3 yards per game.

A toe injury in a boot

The severity of the situation became clear during Tuesday’s walk-through at Halas Hall. Monangai was not present for the portion of practice open to the media. While the team was aware he had suffered both toe and thumb injuries during a strong performance against the New York Jets, the toe has become the primary concern.

#Bears Injury Report pic.twitter.com/cg5FUqjels

— https://x.com/BearsPR/status/2108631747663654984

“The toe is a bigger deal than we initially anticipated,” Ben Johnson told reporters Friday. “So he’ll be out here this week. He won’t be participating in this game and we’ll see how long that injury sidelines him.”

Johnson confirmed that Monangai is currently wearing a boot and is working with a specialist to manage the recovery. The timing is difficult given Monangai’s role as a leading rusher for the Bears.

Swift returns as Roschon Johnson moves up

The Bears are leaning on veteran D’Andre Swift to shoulder the load. Swift, who has dealt with hip and knee issues throughout the season, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and carries no injury designation for Sunday. Swift is currently eighth in the NFL in rushing—just one spot behind Monangai—with 311 yards and three touchdowns on 69 attempts.

With Monangai out, fourth-year running back Roschon Johnson ascends to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Johnson, a 6-foot, 227-pound back, has seen limited action this year, recording 16 yards on four carries, all of which came in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s victory over the Jets.

Bears Injury Update: Kyle Monangai Ruled Out, Zavier Scott Promoted — Photo: chicagobears.com

The coaching staff views him as a complete back capable of running between the tackles, reaching the perimeter, and providing essential pass protection due to his size.

Roster churn and defensive absences

The injury ripple effect extends beyond the backfield. Minutes before Tuesday’s practice began, the Bears promoted running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad. While Scott has played 46 special teams snaps this season—forcing one fumble and recording five tackles—he has yet to play an offensive snap. To make room for Scott on the 53-man roster, the Bears cut cornerback Nick McCloud.

Zavier Scott Gets A Promotion, Which Reminds Me There Is A Kyle Monangai Updatehttps://t.co/dah3ImGR4l

— https://x.com/BN_Bears/status/2115157947839877265

Rookie Malik Muhammad, who left the game against the Patriots with a toe injury, did not practice Tuesday. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson also missed Tuesday’s session, continuing a trend of various injuries that have plagued him since training camp.

Kyler Gordon, Shemar Turner, and Noah Sewell—all previously on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list—were full participants on Friday. Ben Johnson stated it is “highly likely” the team will activate one of the three for Sunday’s game.

The quarterback conundrum in Green Bay

The Bears’ offensive struggles are compounded by the status of quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams returned to practice on a limited basis Friday for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2 against the Vikings. Despite the return to the grass, Williams remains listed as questionable.

The Bears have already decided on their starter for the trip to Green Bay. Tyson Bagent will start in place of Williams, marking the third consecutive game Williams will miss. While the team is following a throwing and running protocol to avoid setbacks, the offense will be without its quarterback and its leading rusher simultaneously.

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Without Monangai and Williams, the burden falls on Tyson Bagent and D’Andre Swift to maintain the momentum of the NFL’s top-ranked rushing attack in a game against their biggest rivals.