The Bears have started out the season better than expected considering they lost their franchise quarterback in only the second game of the season. Through five weeks, the Bears have put together the most formidable rushing offense in the NFL, and despite the fact that the Seahawks and the Broncos have already entered into Week 6, the Bears still hold the top spot.
D'Andre Swift holds a narrow lead over Kyle Monangai for the most rushing yards on the team, and it should be that way given that he's the lead back. Monangai has put together an impressive start to his sophomore season, but he's since been limited by injury. The Bears weekly injury report has shown that Monangai has missed the last two practices due to a combination of a thumb and a toe injury.
#Bears Injury Report pic.twitter.com/1VM23L4zNw
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) October 15, 2026
Monangai missed Week 5 against the Packers, but as it turned out a disaster for the Bears, that may have been a blessing in disguise. Nothing is has been announced regarding whether or not Monangai will return prior to the Bears Week 6 matchup in Atlanta, but it's unlikely he plays.
With Monangai out, this paves the way for Swift to grab a hold on the lead. It's not all going to be easy, though, given that the Falcons boast one of the best rush defenses in the game. Through five weeks, the Falcons have only allowed 401 total yards on the ground. That's an excellent number that averages out to only 80.2 yards per game. That's fourth best in the NFL behind the Jaguars, the Buccaneers, and the Chiefs, respectively.
While it's easy to look to players like Swift and Monangai when talking about rushing success, it must also be noted that the Bears offensive line has just as much responsibility here. It's a far cry from the line that allowed Caleb Williams to be the most sacked quarterback in the NFL two seasons ago, and it's also a testament to the Ben Johnson system. This is exactly why investing in an offensive line that can hold its own with the best pays off.
Sunday in Atlanta is strength against strength, the league's best rushing attack against the fourth best run defense in football. With Monangai unlikely to go, it falls on Swift and that line to prove the numbers travel.
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