The Chicago Bears running back room just got thinner, even as the team sees some relief elsewhere on the roster. Running back Kyle Monangai did not practice on Thursday, marking another day of inactivity for the player dealing with toe and thumb injuries. This absence comes just days before the team faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a primetime showdown. Monangai has now missed four straight games, and his return date remains unclear as the team eyes its upcoming bye week.
The Bears placed running back Zavier Scott on injured reserve earlier in the day. Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune reports that Scott will be sidelined for a minimum of the next four games due to a thumb injury. He joins Kentavius Street on the list; Street was already shelved with a knee issue. These moves leave the Bears with a very short list of healthy backs to choose from for Sunday night. Roschon Johnson will likely continue as the second option behind starter D’Andre Swift, while Salvon Ahmed steps into the third role.
Lineup Changes Bring Hope
Left tackle Theo Benedet saw his status improve from non-participant to limited participant during Thursday’s session at Halas Hall. He is working through a shoulder issue, and his return to practice suggests he could suit up for the game against Tampa Bay. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett also received an upgrade, moving to a limited role while managing a groin injury. Both players are now on track to play, which would be a major boost for the defensive and offensive lines.
Despite the positive movement for Benedet, the team is preparing for the possibility that he might not go. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor expressed confidence in backup Ozzy Trapilo during a report by Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. “I feel pretty good about the path we’ve put him on to be able to do that if needed,” Taylor said.
New Name on the Report
The injury report did grow by one name on Thursday. Linebacker D’Marco Jackson was added to the list as he deals with an ankle injury. Jackson was also listed with an ankle issue last week, though it is not clear if it is the same problem or a new setback. He is absent, and TJ Edwards missed Wednesday’s workout for personal reasons. Edwards did return to practice on Thursday, which is a relief for the team’s depth at that position.
The Bears hope to improve their record to 7-2 with a win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. The game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET at Soldier Field and will be broadcast on NBC. Before the bye week, the team must navigate a rough patch in the backfield while hoping its upgraded linemen can hold up. Joe Brady’s recent comments on roster moves, such as cutting C.J. Gardner-Johnson, showed a focus on team needs. “It was the best interests of the football team,” Brady said regarding that decision.
