Overview
- The Bears ruled running back Kyle Monangai out for Thursday night’s Week 7 game because of a right thumb issue and turf-toe, marking his third straight missed game.
- D’Andre Swift handled the bulk of the work against New England, carrying 22 times for 78 yards and a touchdown while the Bears finished with 116 net rushing yards.
- Chicago elevated practice-squad running back Zavier Scott and linebacker Buddy Johnson to the game-day roster before kickoff to cover depth needs created by Monangai’s absence and injuries at linebacker.
- Coach Ben Johnson described Monangai’s status as week-to-week and the team kept him on the active roster rather than placing him on injured reserve to preserve flexibility for a near-term return.
- Monangai had been a highly efficient complementary back (324 yards and a 5.4 yards-per-carry average in four appearances), so his short-term absence will affect play-calling and fantasy lineups while the team monitors his recovery ahead of Week 8.