THE APEX TIMES
Bears get D’Andre Swift back for practice update ahead of Packers game; Kyle Monangai remains sidelined
D’Andre Swift returned as a limited participant in practice Thursday, while Kyle Monangai stayed out again, setting up a key Friday injury-designation window for Chicago’s backfield before its Sunday visit to Green Bay.
Chicago’s injury report took a small step forward Thursday, with D’Andre Swift returning to practice as a limited participant after missing work the day before. The Bears have been working around Swift’s hip and knee issues, and his appearance on the practice field gives the team at least one more option to prepare for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
Swift sat out Wednesday, according to the report, then returned Thursday in a limited capacity. For a team that needs reliable depth at running back to manage touches and keep its offense stable, even partial participation can matter because it can influence how the coaching staff scripts reps during the week.
Kyle Monangai, another Bears running back, did not join Swift on the practice field. Monangai remained on the sidelines with thumb and toe injuries, extending his absence through Thursday. His continued status also puts pressure on the remaining backs to absorb the workload in practice and into game day.
The Bears are expected to provide additional clarity Friday, including whether Swift and Monangai receive formal injury designations ahead of kickoff. NFL designations do not always predict exact usage, but they typically shape what roles players can safely take on, especially during live action when contact risk is higher.
From a roster-planning standpoint, the timing is important. With the Packers game approaching, the Bears’ staff must decide how to balance next-to-nothing risk for a player who is limited, against the need to get enough practice reps from the healthy options to ensure depth is prepared for whatever scenario unfolds Sunday.
The backfield picture also connects to how Chicago manages pace. If Swift is able to progress from limited participation to a more full workload, it could affect how the Bears distribute rush attempts and third-down responsibilities. If Monangai remains out, the team’s next-man up becomes more than a bench role, potentially expanding the share of touches for the remaining rotation.
For fans tracking this week, the most immediate watch items are Friday’s injury update and whether Swift’s limited participation changes at all over the next 24 hours. Monangai’s availability will also be a key storyline, because the thumb and toe injuries that kept him out Thursday may not be as easily managed without escalation to a higher limitation or continued absence.
Why It Matters
- Swift returning to limited practice improves Chicago’s short-term depth and gives the Bears another option to prepare for their Packers matchup.
- Monangai’s continued absence keeps pressure on the rest of the running back rotation to cover workload needs in practice and potentially during the game.
- Friday’s injury-designation decisions can meaningfully shape who can play and at what level, influencing Chicago’s offensive rhythm.
- The Bears’ ability to manage contact risk with Swift and coordinate usage without Monangai could affect how the team performs early in the game and in late-game situations.
Key Facts
- D’Andre Swift returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant after sitting out Wednesday.
- Swift’s absence was attributed to hip and knee injuries.
- Kyle Monangai remained out of practice Thursday with thumb and toe injuries.
- Friday was described as the next expected day for additional injury updates and any injury designations ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Packers.