The Chicago Bears will be without an important piece of their backfield when they face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 7.
Bears ruled out RB Kyle Monangai for Thursday night’s game vs. the Patriots. Monangai now will miss his third straight game due to his thumb injury and turf toe.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2026
Running back Kyle Monangai has officially been ruled out with thumb and toe injuries, forcing Chicago to continue without one of its emerging contributors.
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Kyle Monangai ruled out for third straight game
Monangai will miss his third consecutive game after being unable to recover in time from the injuries. He did not practice Monday or Tuesday before the Bears officially ruled him out Wednesday, leaving little doubt that he would not be ready for the unusually short turnaround.
The injuries have kept Monangai sidelined since his breakout performance against the New York Jets in Week 4. He rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries in that game, quickly establishing himself as a significant part of Chicago’s rushing attack.
His continued absence is particularly notable because the Bears have developed a run-heavy offensive identity under head coach Ben Johnson. Monangai’s combination of physical running and production had given Chicago another option alongside D’Andre Swift.
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D’Andre Swift expected to remain the lead back
With Monangai unavailable, D’Andre Swift should once again handle the majority of Chicago’s backfield opportunities against New England. Swift had 16 carries for 44 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ Week 6 victory over Atlanta, while also catching four passes for 26 yards.
Roschon Johnson should continue operating as Chicago’s No. 2 running back. Johnson has seen an increased role during Monangai’s absence and could receive additional opportunities, particularly on passing downs or if the Bears need to rotate backs throughout the game.
The Bears enter Thursday’s matchup at 4-2, while the Patriots also sit at 4-2, making the game one of the more significant matchups on the Week 7 schedule.
Monangai’s absence does not necessarily change Chicago’s offensive philosophy, but it does remove another productive option from the equation. Swift now figures to be one of the most important players in the Bears’ offensive game plan, with Johnson likely receiving an expanded role behind him.
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