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.
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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.
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3 key matchups to watch in Bears’ Sunday night game vs. Bucs
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) on the field against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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3 key matchups to watch in Bears’ Sunday night game vs. Bucs
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) on the field against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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3 reasons for optimism as the Bears face the Buccaneers in Week 9
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) warms up prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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3 keys for Bears offense vs. Bucs in Week 9
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) and linebacker Drake Thomas (32) make a tackle on Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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5 most important plays from Bears’ win over Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears’ Jeffery Simmons will be ready for Good, Better, Best next time
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) on the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; The line scrimmage during the second quarter of game between Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) is blcked by Seattle Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) runs after the catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears QB Caleb Williams’ improved accuracy is visible on stat sheet
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks downfield to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs after the catch as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) trails on the play during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson sounds off on Jeffery Simmons’ debut with Bears
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by. Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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5 takeaways from the Bears’ 34-17 dominating win over the Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive line Montez Sweat (98) during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Dennis Allen sounds off on Bears DE Montez Sweat’s return to action
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Montez Sweat (98) reacts after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Where the Chicago Bears rank statistically heading into Week 9
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Montez Sweat (98) reacts after a sack against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Announcers set for Bears vs. Bucs Week 9 game
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) breaks the tackle attempt by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) makes the catch in front of Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (32) during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson praises Bears RB D’Andre Swift finding end zone
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs after the catchagainst the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson shake hands following the game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Caleb Williams admires new Bears teammate Jeffery Simmons’ character
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard Quenton Nelson (53) and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) meet after the game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson reacts to Bears’ statement win over Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) reacts after a block field goal by the defense against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs after the catch as Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) defends during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) carries for the touchdown as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) defends during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line James Lynch (97) makes an interception against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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NFL Week 9 power rankings: Bears continue to rise, Ravens fall
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line James Lynch (97) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line James Lynch (97) celebrates with defensive tackle Shemar Turner (95) after an interception against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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3 causes for concern as the Bears face the Bucs in Week 9
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) under center against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson gets brutally honest about Bears run game in recent weeks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) scores a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Good, bad and ugly from Bears’ 34-17 prime-time win over Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 8 win vs. Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Cam Lewis (21) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears-Seahawks’ Monday Night Football matchup drew massive audience
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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The Morning After…the Bears’ Week 8 statement win vs. Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Daniel Hardy (92) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears defeat Seahawks, 34-17: Photos from Chicago’s Week 8 win
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Inside Bears’ locker room after commanding Week 8 win vs. Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“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.
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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.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson sounds off on Bears RB Kyle Monangai’s absence
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
