Bears needed 1 player back at practice before Vikings game (and he came through)

One of the biggest concerns for the Chicago Bears entering their Week 1 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings is the lack of depth at running back with multiple players injured.

Roschon Johnson has been dealing with a foot injury that has kept him off the field for multiple weeks. Rookie Kyle Monangai did play one preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, but has been out since with a soft tissue injury. Travis Homer has also been out with a calf injury.

Wednesday's practice brought good news for the running backs, though. Monangai was back at practice as he was with the running backs. Our own Nicholas Moreano did add that Monangai, D'Andre Swift, Brittain Brown, and DJ Moore were all taking reps in the backfield during individual drills.

What does this mean for Monday night for the Bears?

Johnson was not at practice, which means it isn't looking good for him to be available to play. Brown is on the practice squad, so there is a chance he gets called up, but the Bears might hold him back from doing that.

The plan currently appears to be that Swift will be the starter, with Monangai as the backup. Moore will also line up in the backfield, but only in certain packages that are more like either toss plays to the outside or pass routes being run from behind quarterback Caleb Williams.

This is a welcoming sign for Monangai to be back, as it will not only help with depth at running back, but also give the Bears a first look at the rookie. While Swift is more of the speed back, Monangai is more of the bruiser who will run it up the middle in short-yard situations.

In Monangai's only preseason appearance, he ran six times for 30 yards, with his longest being a 13-yard run in the 24-24 tie against Miami—a solid performance from the rookie that showcased his ability not to be tackled on first contact.

Read more: Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson's connection keeps getting better for Bears fans

The Bears need to see more of that on Monday night, as he is expected to receive more carries than initially anticipated to start the season.