As he wrapped up mandatory minicamp in early June, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was reticent to single out any players as standouts. But he did name four players when lightly pushed to do so, and one name stood out.
"In the running back room, Kyle Monangai has really stepped up", Johnson said. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up."
The hypothetical opportunity Monangai, the seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers, had to become the Bears' No. 2 running back became something real right then.
Training camp, when pads came on, stood to be a time when Monangai could further assert himself for an immediate, noticeable role in the Bears' backfield. On the day of "Family Fest" in front of fans at Soldier Field in early August, when Monangai had two rushing touchdowns, Johnson took his praise of the rookie to the next level.
"I’ve been very pleased with where he’s at,” Johnson said. “I think he’s a guy that we’re going to be able to trust this fall.”
On Saturday, per Adam Hoge of CHGO, Johnson had some big praise for Monangai, again.
Ben Johnson with a strong statement on rookie running back Kyle Monangai:
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 6, 2025
"I trust that guy at this point. Which is a big thing to say for a young guy like that. He tends to do everything right."
Kyle Monangai sounds ready to fully seize his opportunity
Monangai has been limited by a hamstring injury as the Bears prepare for Monday night's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. But was a full participant in the final practice of the week on Saturday, and he's good to go for Monday night.
Roschon Johnson, the incumbent No. 2 running back for the Bears who had not practiced in a month due to a foot injury, was limited in Saturday's practice and is listed as questionable. It seems unlikely he will play on Monday night.
ESPN's Courtney Cronin bolstered the idea that Monangai will be available against the Vikings, along with comments from the rookie.
"I feel good", Monangai said. "I don't know what my role will be, but whatever it is, I'm hoping to do it to the best of my ability."
Kyle Monangai has been limited in practice this week while recovering from a hamstring injury. Sounds like things are trending towards him being available, and Ben Johnson uttered the "trust" word again regarding the rookie.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 6, 2025
Monangai: "I feel good. I don't know what my role will…
Scott Bair of Marquee Sports shared some other recent comments from Monangai, confirming how he fits the mentality the Bears' coaching staff is looking for.
"(Running backs coach Eric Bienemy)’ always says that the next rep is your most important rep", Monangai said. "I have embodied that mentality and that mantra. Every opportunity I was given I try to make the most of it and show them that I believe I belong here.”
Ben Johnson on Kyle Monangai: "I trust that guy at this point. Which is a big thing to say for a young guy like that. He tends to do everything right."
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) September 6, 2025
Monangai (from Wed.): "‘(Eric Bienemy)’ always says that the next rep is your most important rep. I have embodied that…
Read more: Ben Johnson revealed what worries him most about the Bears' offense
Monangai may not get a lot of carries on Monday night. But with his hamstring injury behind him, and Johnson probably on the wrong side of questionable, he can start to take full hold of the role he has been earning since he arrived at Halas Hall. And if Johnson's Chicago offense starts to look like his Detroit offense, it will be a significant role.