The Chicago Bears have plenty of good vibes coming out of Monday’s win over the Washington Commanders. The Bears’ pass rush got to quarterback Jayden Daniels three times in the victory, and they created their own kicking controversy as kicker Jake Moody booted the game-winning field goal.
But for everything that went down, D’Andre Swift’s breakout performance was a welcome sight.
The veteran running back ran for 108 yards and added two receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown to keep the Bears' offense moving on a rainy night. With the importance of the running game in head coach Ben Johnson’s offense, many expected Swift to build on that effort beginning with Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Unfortunately, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin threw some cold water on that idea as she reported that Swift was limited with a groin injury during Thursday’s practice.
D’Andre Swift’s Groin Injury Could Expose Bears’ Backfield Issues
Swift has been underwhelming for most of his time with the Bears after signing a three-year, $24 million contract in the spring of 2024. Monday was just the second time that he reached the 100-yard mark in a Bears uniform, and it was the first time he reached the milestone since racking up 129 yards and a touchdown in their last meeting with the Commanders on Oct. 27, 2024.
While Swift has had limited production in Chicago, he’s also had a lot of lower-body injuries. The groin in particular has been an issue, as he dealt with it during the 2021 season and once again late in the 2024 campaign. Hip and quad injuries have also contributed to Swift’s slow performance this season, and while he practiced in full on Wednesday (which is normally a walkthrough when a team plays on Monday night), his latest injury could make his status a question going into Week 7.
If Swift’s injury doesn’t get better with the limited workload, the Bears could have problems. Seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai has just 81 yards on 22 carries this season and has just six targets in the passing game through the first five games. Roschon Johnson has also virtually been eliminated from the offense under Johnson’s watch, leaving little insurance in case Swift can’t go.
In all likelihood, there’s a case that Swift’s workload is being managed, and the Bears are being cautious on a short week. It also exposes the team’s RB depth that could become an issue ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline, which could lead to a deal to add Breece Hall of the New York Jets or Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints to the fold.
Chicago's backfield is a storyline to watch going into Sunday’s game and just might be a prelude to what could be a surprising trade in the coming weeks.