The Chicago Bears know how important the upcoming game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals is. Their schedule doesn’t get much easier after this. It is a game they can and probably should win. To do that, it was expected they’d lean on their running game. Cincinnati has the worst run defense in the league, and might be down two more starters on Sunday, including linebacker Logan Wilson. One would think D’Andre Swift is eager for this opportunity to continue a solid past few weeks.
Unfortunately, it sounds like he won’t get it. Head coach Ben Johnson revealed that the running back has been dealing with a groin injury. It originated at some point before the game against Washington. Swift has played through it, but the pain has become problematic. Johnson made it sound on Friday like the Bears are leaning towards giving him the week off in hopes it might help ease the discomfort. If so, that means 7th round pick Kyle Monangai will get the start against the Bengals.
The Chicago Bears should be able to trust Monangai.
While the rookie may not have the explosiveness Swift does, he’s still been effective with the limited chances he’s gotten. Monangai is averaging 4.4 yards per carry this season. Though not the strongest or fastest, he is a violent runner with good vision. Johnson should have no trouble crafting a game plan around his strengths. Monangai was a machine at Rutgers, churning out 1200 yards in each of his last two seasons there. If the Chicago Bears feed him the ball 15-20 times, he should give the Bengals plenty to handle.
More than anything, the real concern is depth. Swift isn’t the only one who probably won’t play. Roschon Johnson is also likely out with a back injury. That means Travis Homer, who hasn’t had a carry all season, might be their secondary option. Monangai might get a full load this Sunday, which is nothing new to him. If he can deliver, the Bears may have found themselves another piece of the puzzle.
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