The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, where Chicago’s offense is looking to make a strong impression. One of the most important things will be establishing the run, where returning veteran D’Andre Swift will lead the way alongside seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai.
The Bears have dealt with injuries at running back this summer, which leaves Swift and Monangai (who’s officially off the injury report) as the only healthy backs on the roster, with Roschon Johnson battling a hamstring (he’s questionable).
Ahead of Monday night’s prime-time game, head coach Ben Johnson discussed his running backs. But it was his comments about Monangai that really stood out and indicates we could see quite a bit of the seventh-round rookie early.
“Monangai has really hit a stride there over the course of the spring and camp,” Johnson said. “I trust that guy at this point, that’s a big thing to say for a young player like that. He tends to do everything right.”
Monangai has earned the trust of Johnson and this coaching staff, which speaks volumes and should indicate a healthy dose of touches starting Monday night. While Swift will no doubt carry the workload, Monangai has a chance to carve out a role for himself with Roschon Johnson potentially sidelined.
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