The Chicago Bears offense has been humming since the return of quarterback Caleb Williams three weeks ago, but they've also been without another key contributor: Running back Kyle Monangai, whose absence in the last four games has been felt in what was previously the NFL's top-ranked run game.
In Weeks 1-4, the Bears averaged 196 rushing yards per game eclipsing 230 yards twice and hitting 120+ in each game with D'Andre Swift and Monangai. In Weeks 5-8, Chicago averaged just 105 yards per game, falling short of 100 yards in two games before bouncing back with 116 and 126 yards in their last two games, with Swift and Roschon Johnson.
The Bears didn't place Monangai on injured reserve for his lingering toe injury, which initially was expected to be
just a 2-3 week injury. But now, Monangai is on track to miss his fifth straight game. Head coach Ben Johnson shared the latest update on the former seventh-round pick.
"Getting better, so like I said last time we brought him up, each injury is a little bit different, and you try to get a timeline, an approximation of what you think it could be, and some guys come back a little bit sooner, some guys take a little bit longer, so those toe injuries, those can be fickle at times, and that's what this one's proved to be.”
As for when Monangai will return, that remains to be seen. Although, he did practice for the first time in a month on Friday, and he's officially questionable for Sunday night. Regardless, it's clear that Johnson wants him back on the field as soon as possible.
"I'm hoping every week, I'm hoping every day and every week he'll be back out there for us," he said.
Chicago does have a bye week after Sunday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so it's likely the Bears will elect to rest Monangai this week before an extra week to rest and recover. Hopefully, Monangai will make his return on Nov. 22 against the New Orleans Saints.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson sounds off on Bears RB Kyle Monangai's absence
