D'Andre Swift's role in the Chicago Bears' backfield has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines to watch ahead of Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers.
After Swift lost a fumble and didn't return during Sunday's 23-12 victory over the New York Jets, Bears coach Ben Johnson was asked whether the veteran running back's role has changed.
Johnson didn't guarantee anything.
"Once again, we'll see what it looks like throughout the week. Each role is determined through the week of practice."
Swift opened Week 4 in his usual role but struggled to capitalize on several goal-line opportunities. He finished with 15 carries for 58 yards and two receptions for 16 yards, and his biggest mistake came on Chicago's first possession of the third quarter.
Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood jarred the ball free from Swift, and Brandon Stephens recovered at the Bears' 29-yard line. New York turned the short field into a field goal, and Swift didn't play another snap.
Meanwhile, Kyle Monangai took advantage of the expanded workload.
Monangai finished with 30 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Bears pile up 232 rushing yards.
That doesn't mean Swift has suddenly lost his starting job. Johnson pushed back after the game on the idea that Swift was formally benched, and Swift has already produced one of Chicago's biggest offensive performances of the season with his 124-yard, three-touchdown Week 1 game against Carolina.
But Johnson also isn't guaranteeing the backfield will simply return to its previous pecking order.
BearsTalk Analytics2026 season
How the players in this story are grading
84.4Kyle Monangai. BTX grade 84.35 out of 100, rank 4 among 72 qualified running backs.
62.1Jamien Sherwood. BTX grade 62.1 out of 100, rank 23 among 64 qualified linebackers.
59.7Brandon Stephens. BTX grade 59.7 out of 100, rank 38 among 119 qualified cornerbacks.
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