Running back Kyle Monangai is ruled out for the Bears’ Week 5 game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday due to a turf toe injury. Quarterback Caleb Williams returned to limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, though backup Tyson Bagent is expected to start. Monangai is dealing with a turf toe injury and was seen in a walking boot after visiting a specialist, according to CBS Sports. Williams, who has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, is trending toward a possible return but Tyson Bagent is still expected to start under center, according to Yahoo Sports.
Monangai Ruled Out With Turf Toe, Caleb Williams Injury Status
Monangai was ruled out for Week 5 on Friday after visiting a specialist and being placed in a walking boot, according to CBS Sports. The turf toe injury is expected to sideline him for one to two weeks, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Bears list Monangai as week-to-week rather than a candidate for injured reserve, suggesting they expect his return within one to four weeks.
Williams is listed as questionable after returning to a limited practice Friday, per Yahoo Sports. Head coach Ben Johnson said the quarterback is “right on track” and working through a throwing progression, but added the timeline for his return is “to be determined.” Bagent is expected to start Sunday regardless of Williams Questionable; Bagent Expected to Start status. The Bears are 3-1 despite Williams missing the past two games with the hamstring injury.
Who Replaces Them In The Lineup
With Monangai sidelined, Roschon Johnson is likely to see an increased offensive role behind starter D’Andre Swift. That depth chart picture is complicated further by Swift’s own questionable designation for hip and knee injuries. Swift did not practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday, leaving his Sunday availability in question as well.
Bagent is expected to start regardless of where Williams’ questionable tag lands. With Monangai out and Swift questionable, Chicago’s backfield remains unsettled heading into Sunday. See the Bears vs. Packers preview for more on the matchup.
Season Context For Monangai And The Bears Backfield
Monangai’s absence removes a running back who has been one of the more productive backfield options in the league this season. He has rushed for 324 yards, seventh-best in the NFL, to go with three touchdowns on 60 carries through four games. His 5.4 yards per carry ranks sixth in the league. Monangai’s best outing came in Chicago’s 23-12 win over the New York Jets, when he ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
Swift has posted 311 yards and three touchdowns through four games in his third season with the Bears. Between Monangai’s injury and Swift’s questionable status, Chicago’s run game picture for Sunday remains unsettled.
What’s Next For Williams And Monangai
The Bears host the Packers on Sunday, with Bagent expected to start at quarterback regardless of Williams’ questionable designation. Johnson said Williams’ return timeline is still being determined as he works through a throwing progression. The Bears play the Packers on Sunday with Bagent starting.
Johnson indicated Williams is progressing through his recovery, but the timeline remains uncertain. Monangai is week-to-week and unlikely to need injured reserve.
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