The Chicago Bears are coming off a dominant performance on the ground against the Philadelphia Eagles. On Black Friday, Chicago rushed a total of 281 yards on 41 carries. Rookie Kyle Monangai was a huge part of the Bears’ success on the ground, showing off the physical running style that has already made him a difference-maker in this offense.
However, Monangai seemingly left Philadelphia with a new injury. Luckily, he looks to be trending in the correct direction heading into Sunday’s huge game against the Green Bay Packers.
Will Kyle Monangai Play in Week 14?
Monangai appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with an ankle injury. Although the report was only an estimation since the team didn’t hold a full practice, seeing his name on it was still concerning after last week’s heavy workload. On the other hand, he returned in a limited capacity on Thursday, which is at least a positive step. For a rookie who has seen an increase in oches over the season, this progression suggests the Bears are managing him cautiously rather than responding to a significant setback.
#Bears Injury Report pic.twitter.com/CD30JvDUQ6
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) December 4, 2025
Last week, Monangai carried the ball 22 times for 130 yards and one touchdown. The rookie accounted for two rushes of 15 or more yards, with his best carry going for 31 yards. According to PFSN’s running back impact metric, he was the 18th-ranked RB with an impact score of 76.0 in Week 13.
Having Monangai available against the Packers is imperative for Chicago’s success. In two out of their last four games, Green Bay’s defense has allowed opponents to rush for over 100 yards. Most of that success has come from running between the tackles, an area where Monangai excels. His ability to stay low through contact and consistently create yards after first contact has been one of the Bears’ biggest reasons for the team’s continued rushing success.
Moreover, the Bears should have even more opportunities to attack the middle of Green Bay’s defense after the Packers lost defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt to a fractured ankle last week. Without Wyatt, Green Bay’s run defense takes an even bigger hit, particularly in the A-gaps, where Monangai has thrived.
The Bears’ best chance of defeating the Packers is if they are able to establish the run early and maintain balance throughout the game. So, seeing that Monangai is tracking to play on Sunday is a good sign for Chicago, especially in a matchup where his physical style could make all the difference.
