Monangai Practices for First Time in Over Month
Bears running back Kyle Monangai returned to practice Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai practiced for the first time in more than a month on Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers after hurting his toe in the Week 4 win over the Jets.
Why it matters
Monangai carried a heavy load in Week 4, rushing a career-high 30 times, so his recovery affects the Bears' backfield depth. The team's injury picture is harder to gauge after a quick turnaround from Seattle and no normal practice until Thursday.
Monangai rushed a career-high 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 4 win over the Jets before missing more than a month. Whether he plays Sunday against Tampa Bay has not been confirmed.
The players
Kyle Monangai
Kyle Monangai is a running back for the Chicago Bears who rushed a career-high 30 times in the team's Week 4 win over the Jets.
Grady Jarrett
Grady Jarrett is a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears who has missed time this season with a groin injury and is expected to play against the Buccaneers.
The details
Monangai sat out Sunday's game to recover before the bye week and was limited in practice on Friday. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and cornerback Malik Muhammad are also dealing with injuries, with Stevenson and Muhammad listed as questionable.
Timeline
Week 4: Monangai hurt his toe in the win over the Jets.
Tuesday: The Bears returned from Seattle.
Thursday: The Bears held their first normal practice of the week.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: Monangai practiced for the first time in over a month.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026: The Bears face the Buccaneers.
Season Trajectory
Monangai's recovery is central to the Bears' running game as the team works through a heavy injury stretch in the middle of the season. Playing without him for the Buccaneers game would leave Chicago relying on depth behind a back who carried the load in Week 4.
If Monangai is ruled out, the Bears' rushing load shifts to backups for Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should monitor the final injury report before lineup decisions are locked.
The takeaway
Injury designations like questionable rarely settle until gameday, so check the final report before setting lineups or betting on a backfield. Monangai's return timeline is a reminder that a heavy workload can carry lingering cost.
What happens next
The Bears face the Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, and play the Saints on Nov. 22, 2026, when Monangai is expected to be available.
Further reading
Keep up with the latest Football coverage for the Chicago Bears' injury updates and game previews.
