The Chicago Bears have been firing on all cylinders lately. As they play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home on Sunday night, it looks like they're about to get some much-needed reinforcements, too. Though they will have to wait another game and the ensuing bye week before that happens.
Bears star running back Kyle Monangai, who hasn't played since early October with respective turf toe and thumb injuries, will miss his fifth straight game on Sunday night. That's the extent of the bad news for the powerful tailback. The good news is that, according to Ian Rapoport, the Bears are electing to get two extra weeks of rest and recovery for Monangai, with their bye coming in Week 10.
Monangai is officially expected to make his return in Week 11 when the
Bears host the New Orleans Saints at home:
#Bears RB Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) won't play today, but he's expected back in Week 11. Fresh legs for Chicago.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2026
Meanwhile, DB Malik Muhammad II (toe) and CB Tyrique Stevenson Sr. (thumb) should be good to go. Stevenson will play with a splint.
Holding Monangai out until Week 11, post-bye, means he will have had almost two months of time to heal up from his injuries. It's a proactive move by the Bears, with the stretch run of a competitive season and the crucible of winter football looming just around the corner, when they will need Monangai at full strength in their backfield.
Take comfort, Bears fans. One of your best offensive players should be back very soon.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: When is Kyle Monangai coming back to the Bears?
