Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday ahead of the team’s prime-time matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football, according to Yahoo Sports.
Monangai has missed the last four games due to a toe injury sustained during a 146-yard performance against the New York Jets on Oct. 4. He was listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest. Head coach Ben Johnson noted that toe injuries can be fickle at times
when discussing the recovery timeline.
#Bears RB Kyle Monangai returned to practice today in a limited fashion and is now questionable for Sunday Night Football vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Chicago is looking to improve to 7-2 in the final of three straight prime-time games before their bye week. When asked about the status of the running back, Johnson stated that he is right around the timeline projected for his return, though it might be slightly delayed as each injury is unique and some individuals take longer to recover than others.
Bears Manage Backfield Depth
Before his injury, Monangai rushed for 324 yards and three touchdowns on 60 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. In his absence, the Bears posted a 3-1 record while relying heavily on D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the ground game. Before Monangai’s injury, the Bears averaged 196.3 rushing yards per game, but averaged 105.3 yards per game while he was sidelined.
#Bears RB Kyle Monangai (toe) practiced today for the first time since his injury during a 146-yard game vs. the Jets on Oct. 4. It's a positive sign for a potential return on the other side of the bye week. pic.twitter.com/yO7yZ4OBRB
The team adjusted its backfield depth earlier in the week by placing running back Zavier Scott on injured reserve with a thumb injury. Scott had become a special teams contributor before injuring his wrist in the win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Teammates acknowledged the impact of Monangai’s return to the practice field. We’re excited for him,
wide receiver, Kalif Raymond said. Anytime Kyle’s out there it adds a whole other dynamic to our offense.
Running back D’Andre Swift added, It’s amazing seeing him out there. What he’s been going through … it’s amazing seeing the brother out there.
Starters Return to Practice
Left tackle Theo Benedet and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett both fully participated in Friday’s practice and carry no injury designations for Sunday. Benedet played all 70 offensive snaps in the team’s Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks before reporting shoulder discomfort after the game.
Addressing Benedet’s status, Ben Johnson explained, I wasn’t even aware during the game that he was feeling something. A lot of those guys, things will pop up over the course of the game, and your adrenaline helps get you through the rest of it, and I don’t even know until we get on the plane or something like that that we’re dealing with some stuff.
Ben Johnson on Kyle Monangai’s injury: “[He’s] getting better…Those toe injuries prove to be fickle at times, and that’s what this one’s proven to be.” When asked if he hopes to have Monangai back after the bye week: “I’m hoping every week. I’m hoping every day and every week… pic.twitter.com/8Rq80WEFIA
Jarrett managed a groin injury sustained on Monday night. Speaking about the veteran defensive lineman, Johnson told the Chicago Bears, When you get to the halfway point of the season, everybody that’s been playing, they’re dealing with something at this point. Grady’s tough. I know he wants to be out there, and he knows how big this one is for us.
Linebacker D’Marco Jackson also practiced in full after dealing with an ankle injury and carries no designation.
Cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson (thumb) and Malik Muhammad (toe) join Monangai as questionable for the Bears after logging limited practice sessions on Friday. For Tampa Bay, outside linebacker Yaya Diaby has been ruled out with a knee injury, while receiver Emeka Egbuka is listed as questionable with a foot issue despite participating fully in practice on Thursday and Friday, according to the Chicago Bears.
Final injury report for Bucs and Bears — all clear for Tristan Wirfs and Tykee Smith. Both teams fairly healthy going in. pic.twitter.com/mdXiYDJuww
More on Kyle Monangai
Kyle Monangai returned to practice today on a limited basis and is listed as questionable for SNF.
#Bears have 3 players questionable for Sunday night – CB Malik Muhammad (toe) – CB Tyrique Stevenson (thumb) – RB Kyle Monangai (toe) They were limited today. This is a new injury for Stevenson, who was not on the report earlier in the week. LT Theo Benedet is good to go.
Kyle Monangai Listed as Questionable Heading Into Sunday's Matchup With the Buccaneershttps://t.co/ZJrjXhX1XC
