The injury issues facing the Chicago Bears on the defensive side of the ball have been well documented through the opening two weeks of the 2025 season. Unfortunately, those problems are bleeding over to the offense as we inch closer to the Bears' showdown with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.
According to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, starting running back D'Andre Swift joined the walking wounded on Wednesday after being limited during practice due to a quad injury.
Considering Swift's struggles to begin the year, coupled with the fact head coach Ben Johnson has said he wants to get rookie RB Kyle Monangai on the field more, this injury could be the impetus for a shift in the backfield.
D'Andre Swift's Week 3 Injury Could Open Door for Rookie Kyle Monangai
Adding a second veteran running back to the fold was something that was widely discussed throughout the offseason and into training camp. Chicago did its due diligence but ultimately decided to stick with Swift as the team's RB1 with 2023 fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson as the only legitimate option behind him with any experience.
Through two games, Johnson has yet to record a single carry. This means that rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai could have a real opportunity to see some extended action starting this weekend. Even if Swift can play, the likelihood that he will be asked to handle his typical workload is slimmer than normal. That puts the former Rutgers standout in line to be a more featured piece of the offense.
While relying on a third-day draft pick this early in the season isn't typically a scenario fans would want to see play out, Monangai has impressed since arriving in the Windy City. Ben Johnson has already noted how he hoped to get the rookie on the field more moving forward. If he can prove that he is up to the task against the Cowboys, an expanded role could be in his future.
During Week 2's blowout loss to the Detroit Lions, Monangai received seven carries and racked up 28 yards. He also caught a pass for the second straight week. With the way that Johnson utilized his running backs in the passing game during his successful stint as OC in Detroit, Monangai showing that ability early on will only help him get more opportunities on the field as the season moves on.
With Chicago badly needing a win, the rookie can make a real name for himself amongst Bears fans with a strong showing while Swift deals with this quad issue.