It has been three weeks since Chicago Bears fans last saw running back Kyle Monangai on the field, and the team's latest move suggests it could be a longer wait.
Monangai has been sidelined for three games due to a thumb and toe injury. The bigger concern now is the turf toe injury, as he hasn't been able to practice for the last three weeks because of it. It was considered a week-to-week injury, but it is starting to look like his return timeline may not be any closer.
Chicago made an interesting move by signing running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad and releasing defensive back Nick McCloud. The Bears have leaned on D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson for the last three games, but this latest move seems to signal that Monangai is not close to returning.
The #Bears have signed RB Zavier Scott to the Active Roster from the club's Practice Squad and released DB Nick McCloud.
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) October 27, 2026
Bears' Kyle Monangai problem might be lingering on a bit longer
Monangai was off to a good start on the season strongstarted, ranking in the NFL's top 10 in rushing yards before his injury. He has rushed 60 times for 324 yards and three touchdowns in four games. In two of the four games, he rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown.
When Monangai is active and playing, the Bears average 176 yards on the ground per game. Since he has been out, though, they are averaging 125.3 yards per game.
While the Bears are still finding success on the run thanks to Johnson stepping up, Monangai is a difference-maker. Monangai has breakaway speed, while not being afraid to lower the shoulder and run in the middle of the line.
There are other factors in that time with the Bears not running the ball as well without Monangai, including one of those games being without Caleb Williams at quarterback. Still, this offense needs their young second-year back to return and help them out.
When can Bears fans expect Kyle Monangai back?
The big question right now is when Monangai is going to return to the team. Since he wasn't placed on IR, many Bears fans thought he would be back this week. If he doesn't, though, there will be questions about how the Bears managed to avoid putting him on IR.
Chicago getting Monangai back this week would be massive, but it would also raise an interesting question: if it does, what about the other two active backs? Does Scott's promotion mean there's a problem with Swift or Johnson?
Swift has clearly been fighting through injuries over the last few weeks, including an awkward knee injury in the Bears' Week 7 win over the New England Patriots, which concerned some fans. He finished the game and still looked good. It was clear, though, that he needed a few extra days of rest.
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The Bears really hope that Monangai can return, but something feels off about the situation. Their first injury report will tell us how the backfield looks. It may not be good for Chicago.
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