It finally feels like this Chicago Bears team is different from the cursed franchise that has played in the NFL over the last few decades. After losing to a Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens, a touchdown return on the opening kickoff, not to mention a successful onside kick in the final two minutes for the Cincinnati Bengals, would have been more than enough to get the franchise to fold.
But under head coach Ben Johnson, they are slowly developing nerves of steel. Last week, even without starting running back D’Andre Swift, they were able to have one of their best games on the ground thanks to a career-making night from Kyle Monangai.
However, for their playoff aspirations, Chicago needs its lead running back in the mix. Will they have him available in Week 10 when they face the New York Giants?
Will D’Andre Swift Play Against the Giants?
In his sixth season, Swift came to the Bears with high hopes after a Pro Bowl season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Through a season and a half, he has continued his excellent work in the Windy City as well.
This year, he’s been a key contributor to an offense that is ranked 12th on PFSN’s Offense Impact. Through nine weeks, he’s played in seven games and added 464 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Ranked fourth on PFSN’s RB Impact, he’s also been valuable as a pass catcher, adding 192 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air as well. All in all, despite a 176 rushing explosion from Monangai in Week 9, the Bears need Swift back in a hurry.
Thankfully, it seems like all signs are coming up positive for their clash against the Giants. After logging a full practice, Swift was downgraded to questionable for the game due to a personal issue.
However, NFL Insider Adam Schefter soon confirmed on X, “Bears RB D’Andre Swift, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a groin injury and personal reasons, is expected to play vs. the Giants, per source.”
Swift’s Fantasy Outlook
D’Andre Swift missed last week (groin), his first DNP since joining the Bears after some durability concerns to open his career with the Lions. The hope is that this is nothing that lingers.
He had been able to play through this nagging issue for much of October, but he didn’t practice last week and now has to be watched (Chicago is a month past their bye).
If things look promising, you play him. This offense is hardly a work of art, but Swift has produced 12.8% above expectations this season, the second-best mark of his career.
This isn’t a matchup to fear in general, and the versatility in this profile (24 targets and 100 rush attempts across his seven games) makes him a reliable player regardless of the projected script.