The Chicago Bears have suffered their next injury-related setback. Kyle Monangai, the second year running back set to take the RB2 spot behind D'Andre Swift has suffered a hyperextended knee during practice. Monangai's injury is sure to test the Bears depth, particularly amid the roster battle currently happening between Salvon Ahmed and Roschon Johnson.
With Monangai out and expected to miss several weeks, but Jeremy Fowler reports that the MRI outcome is considered positive. Fowler is a national name in the football world, and one of ESPN's most credible names in the business.
Source: Bears RB Kyle Monangai suffered a hyperextended knee.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 17, 2026
Expected to miss multiple weeks but per the MRI the outcome is considered positive after a recent practice injury. pic.twitter.com/Boc074AExR
Monangai had an excellent first season with the Bears. He was selected in the seventh round of the draft, but quickly proved himself to Ben Johnson, who had only recently taken the Job as the Bears head coach. Despite Roschon Johnson already being present on the roster, Monangai quickly took the second spot behind Swift, and even performed better than Swift on multiple occasions. During a week that Swift was out, Monangai collected 26 carries and rushed for 176 yards.
Whether or not the Bears intend to extend Swift is a question that frequently doesn't have an answer given the monkey wrench that Monangai's presence has thrown into the mix. While Ben Johnson has shown to do well with a one-two combo of running backs, Monangai has certainly shown that he's capable of handling the top job in a running back's room.
With Monangai out, the Bears may scramble some. Swift will take the main of the work, but he's not a machine. Eventually a second running back will need to take the field, and the Bears have two more preseason matchups to see whose skills are good enough to fall in line with Swift.
In an ideal situation, the Bears can cruise by on the arm of Caleb Williams and the legs of Swift, but it all depends on how long Monangai is sidelined. With a good outlook after an MRI, things don't seem to be going the way they have with Coby Bryant being sidelined for months with the same injury.
Monangai’s positive MRI gives the Bears reason to breathe easier, but his absence creates an opportunity they cannot afford to waste. Roschon Johnson and Salvon Ahmed now have the rest of the preseason to prove which one can keep the backfield afloat until Monangai returns.
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