Ben Johnson’s latest Kyle Monangai update after Bears practice return

For the first time since picking up his turf toe injury, Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai has returned to practice. He is now officially questionable entering Week 9’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Monangai actually playing may be a bit out of reach at this stage of his return. It isn’t out of the question with his injury tag. But the running back hasn’t played since Week 4 and has just one limited practice under his belt. The Bears have been cautious throughout his entire injury recover. It seems unlikely they’d choose to rush things with the bye arriving in Week 10.

#Bears RB Kyle Monangai (toe) practiced today for the first time since his injury during a 146-yard game vs. the Jets on Oct. 4.

It’s a positive sign for a potential return on the other side of the bye week. pic.twitter.com/yO7yZ4OBRB

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) November 6, 2026

Monangai returning to practice does make his chances of suiting up in Week 11 brighter though. Assuming no setbacks, the running back is nearing the end of his lengthy injury recovery.

Chicago isn’t at this finish line just yet though. Head coach Ben Johnson is still taking things a day at a time.

Bears finally see Kyle Monangai back on field

Johnson kept things close to the vest in terms of a potential timeline. But he remains confident and optimistic with Monangai’s recovery, via CHGO.

“Getting better,” Johnson said. “Each injury is a little bit different, you try to get a timeline and approximation of what you think it could be. Some guys come back sooner, some guys take a little bit longer. Those toe injuries can be fickle at times.”

“I’m hoping every week,” he continued. “I’m hoping every day and every week he’ll be back  out there for us.

Ben Johnson on Kyle Monangai’s injury:

“[He’s] getting better…Those toe injuries prove to be fickle at times, and that’s what this one’s proven to be.”

When asked if he hopes to have Monangai back after the bye week:

“I’m hoping every week. I’m hoping every day and every week… pic.twitter.com/8Rq80WEFIA

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) November 6, 2026

Prior to his injury, Monangai turned 60 carries into 324 yards and three touchdowns. His 5.4 yards per carry proves how difficult he has been to bring down. Upon his return, Monangai will again form a two headed tandem with D’Andre Swift; who currently leads the NFL with 10 rushing touchdowns.

Monangai may not be out there against the Buccaneers. But if not, it shouldn’t be long before the Bears get their scary rushing threat back in the offense.

The post Ben Johnson’s latest Kyle Monangai update after Bears practice return appeared first on ChiCitySports.