The Chicago Bears avoided the worst-case scenario with Kyle Monangai's knee injury, but they'll still be without their second-year running back for a while.
Monangai suffered a hyperextended knee during Sunday's practice and is expected to miss multiple weeks, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The good news is that the results of Monday's MRI are considered positive.
Considering how concerning the injury initially looked, that's a relatively encouraging outcome.
Monangai was injured during a non-padded practice and left the field walking gingerly after being examined by Bears head athletic trainer Andre Tucker. Initial testing Sunday indicated that his knee was structurally sound, and the MRI has now provided additional clarity.
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Kyle Monangai injury creates another Bears concern before Week 1
The question now becomes whether Monangai can get back in time for the regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Fowler's report didn't provide a specific return date beyond "multiple weeks," so it's too early to assume he'll be available for Week 1.
The Bears have four weeks before the opener, giving Monangai some time to recover without necessarily missing regular-season action.
Monangai emerged as an important piece of Ben Johnson's offense as a seventh-round rookie in 2025, rushing for 783 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. His absence leaves D'Andre Swift firmly atop the depth chart while creating more opportunities for the running backs behind him.
Salvon Ahmed couldn't have picked a better time to make his case. He turned five touches into 72 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Cleveland, and Johnson said afterward that the competition behind Swift and Monangai would be determined in large part by special teams and how players separate themselves.
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