The Chicago Bears are preparing for a crucial Week 9 matchup as they look to build on their recent success. D’Andre Swift is dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice once again. Will fantasy football managers have the Bears running back available for this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals?
Is D’Andre Swift Playing Week 9?
Swift did not practice on Wednesday with the same groin issue that has seemingly put him on the injury report every week this season. Swift also missed Thursday’s practice session, marking a second consecutive absence that represented a concerning development for the veteran running back.​
Swift did not practice on Friday and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This marks the first game Swift will miss this season after appearing on the injury report multiple times with his recurring groin issue.​
Head coach Ben Johnson has consistently described Swift’s injury as minor throughout the process, treating his Wednesday absences as routine maintenance rather than signs of a setback. However, three consecutive missed practices made it clear this week was different from previous situations.​
Swift has found himself listed as questionable multiple times this season yet hadn’t missed a game before this week. The Bears have been cautious with their featured back, but the severity of this week’s groin flare-up forced them to shut him down.​
Last week followed the usual pattern, with Swift missing Wednesday before returning Thursday and Friday as a limited participant. He carried a questionable designation into the weekend but played effectively, handling 13 touches for 71 yards from scrimmage and one rushing touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.​
This week broke from the familiar routine for the Bears and their star running back. Swift typically returns to practice on Thursday as a limited participant, follows up with increased work on Friday, and ultimately takes the field on Sunday despite carrying a questionable designation.​
The three consecutive absences created certainty about Swift’s unavailability for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kyle Monangai will draw the start in Swift’s place against Cincinnati.
Swift’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Swift is in the midst of the most productive stretch of his career, averaging 19.35 fantasy points per game over his last four contests. He’s finally realizing his potential and producing strong RB1 numbers for fantasy managers who have patiently waited for this breakout.
His recent surge has included multiple 100-yard rushing performances and consistent involvement in the passing game. Swift has found success running between the tackles while maintaining his versatility as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
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The matchup could not be better against a Cincinnati Bengals defense allowing the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. The Bengals have struggled consistently against opposing ground attacks, making them an ideal opponent for Swift’s skill set.​
Cincinnati’s defensive struggles have been particularly pronounced against versatile backs who can contribute both rushing and receiving. Now, Monangai will start and have the pleasure of exploit these weaknesses in what projects as a favorable game script.
Fantasy managers should feel confident inserting Monangai into their lineups. He projects as a strong RB2.
