Chicago Bears get good news on Kyle Monangai’s status for Week 1

Throughout the 2026 season, Chicago Bears head coach is trying to unleash the two-headed rushing tandem of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. But that can only happen if both players are healthy.

On Monday, both running backs made their return to practice, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Swift left Thursday’s session with cramping while Monangai hasn’t practiced since August 16.

Bears held a 40 minute practice (mostly indy and group drills) that opened with the “Raise Up” all cities remix. Fitting ahead or their opener at Carolina.

Welcome back, Kyle Monangai. D’Andre Swift was also back at practice after leaving Thursday’s session due to cramping.… pic.twitter.com/XTaUcO1NyR

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 7, 2026

While Monday’s session only lasted 40 minutes, getting Monangai back on the field is a strong sign for his availability in Week 1. The running back has been working his way back from a hyperextended knee. Chicago will now see how Monangai holds up after his practice return and if he is able to advance to taking contact.

If the running back comes away from practice unscathed, the Bears will remain optimistic about opening their season with Monangai at their disposal.

Chicago Bears’ Kyle Monangai turns heads as rookie

NFL: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, Kyle Monangai — NFL: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions Sep 14, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to hand off the ball to Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) during the second quarter of the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Usually, seventh-round draft picks aren’t expected to make an immediate impact. But that wasn’t the case for Monangai. With only Swift ahead of him, Johnson quickly infused him into the offense.

That plan proved optimal, as the rookie runner turned 169 carries into 783 yards and five touchdowns. Averaging nearly five yards per carry, Monangai helped the Bears finish third in rushing, averaging 144.5 yards per game.

Now, Chicago has fully committed to the running back. He and Swift have become staples of the offense and the team’s driving force in the run game. Losing Monangai for any amount of time would deliver a significant blow.

Based on his practice return, the Bears may not face that problem. The running back will still need to leap a few hurdles coming back from his hyperextended knee. But Monday’s session will at least have Bears fans breathing a sigh of relief.

The post Chicago Bears get good news on Kyle Monangai’s status for Week 1 appeared first on ChiCitySports.